The Cleveland Browns' regular season was essentially two different stories. The first was the toxic relationship between head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley that led to a 2-5-1 record. The second was the promotions for interim head coach Gregg Williams and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens. The partnership led to a 5-3 record and the promise that ultimately secured the head coaching position for Kitchens.

Pro Football Talk recently revealed their choices for NFL Assistant Coaches of the Year: Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and Kitchens. Both are now serving as head coaches (Fangio with the Denver Broncos). The Kitchens selection was explained:

"The move came with the Browns holding a 2-5-1 record, but they would win five of their final eight games and a major turnaround for rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield was a major reason for that turnaround. Mayfield completed 58.3 percent of his passes while throwing eight touchdowns and six interceptions before the coaching change.

After Kitchens took over, Mayfield completed over 68 percent of his passes and posted 19 touchdowns against eight interceptions. The 27 total touchdown passes are a new rookie record and Kitchens also got rookie running back Nick Chubb going after the Browns traded Carlos Hyde to add another reason why many in Cleveland are hoping that Kitchens will remain with them team regardless of what decision they make with the head coaching position."

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The offense and rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield surged when Kitchens took over from Jackson in Week 9.

Mayfield completed 130-of-223 passes for 1,471 yards (11.3 yards per completion), eight touchdowns and six interceptions as well as 15 carries for 91 yards in six games with Jackson and Haley. He completed 180-of-263 passes for 2,254 yards (12.5 yards per completion), 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions as well as 24 carries for 40 yards in eight games with Kitchens.

The offense scored 21.7 points per game in the six games with the combination of Jackson, Haley and Mayfield. They averaged 23.75 points per game in the Kitchens-Mayfield era.

Kitchens is the perfect example of a person just needing an opportunity to make an impact. During his Monday press conference, he acknowledged that a promotion has not happened sooner for him because he does not do the self-promotion that has benefited other coaches in his position. Kitchens is a confident man that would rather show others what he is capable of doing than speak about it. He will not have to speak about it. As the head coach, success is strictly determined by wins and losses. His fortunes or lack thereof will be on display every Sunday during the NFL season.

It may be uncomfortable but Kitchens is finally getting the exposure that he has long felt he deserves.