The New York Giants are hoping that tight end coach Freddie Kitchens can deliver inside knowledge in their upcoming clash with the Cleveland Browns. The team announced on Thursday that Kitchens, who served as the Browns’ head coach last season, will be calling plays on offense against his former team.
The Giants made the decision after offensive coordinator Jason Garrett tested positive for COVID-19 and was ruled out for the sidelines on Sunday.
Kitchens initially joined the Browns in the 2018 season as a running back coach but was promoted to offensive coordinator midway through the season. The improvement on offense and his relationship with quarterback Baker Mayfield prompted Cleveland to give him a head coaching job before the 2019 season.
Kitchens, however, failed to have the same success in his new role, and the Browns finished with a disappointing 6-10 record. He was fired shortly after the last regular season game and was then subsequently replaced by Kevin Stefanski.
It didn’t take long for Kitchens to find a new job, as he joined Joe Judge’s coaching staff in New York just a month later.
The upcoming game is important for both the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns.
The Giants can keep their playoff hopes alive with a win, considering they are currently just one game behind first place in the NFC East. Cleveland, on the other hand, could clinch a playoff spot with a win of their own.
