Freddie Kitchens
Quick Bio: The only NFL name on this list, Freddie Kitchens played at Alabama and has both SEC and NFL experience. He’s currently the interim offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, and Cleveland has had a great deal of success with him and quarterback Baker Mayfield calling the shots.
Pros: Kitchens was Mississippi State’s tight ends coach in 2004 and moved to their running backs coach in 2005. After that, he made the leap to the NFL and has coached for the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Cleveland Browns. This year has been his first as an offensive coordinator, and he was just recently promoted to that position after Cleveland fired their previous OC. And even though he’s had success as the interim play-caller, it’s not believed he’ll be retained after the season.
Cons/Questions: Kitchens’ lack of play-calling experience has to be his biggest drawback. His NFL experience and time in the SEC are certainly big appeals, but he’s never called plays at the collegiate level. There’s also no guarantee he’ll come back to college.
