Freddie Kitchens Steps In as UNC’s Interim Head Coach Amid Mack Brown’s Departure
Big changes are underway in Chapel Hill. North Carolina assistant coach Freddie Kitchens has been named interim head coach as the Tar Heels begin their search for a permanent replacement for Mack Brown. The school made the announcement on Sunday, just one day after Brown coached his final game for the program.
Kitchens, who previously served as the Cleveland Browns head coach, has been with North Carolina for the past two seasons as the run game coordinator and tight ends coach. Now, he’ll take the reins to lead the Tar Heels in their upcoming bowl game, a pivotal moment for the program as it transitions into a new era.
Mack Brown’s Final Chapter at UNC
The decision to part ways with Mack Brown wasn’t exactly a surprise, but the timing and handling of the situation have sparked plenty of conversation. North Carolina informed Brown last week that he would not be returning for the 2025 season. His final game came on Saturday, a hard-fought 35-30 loss to rival NC State. Brown’s last official day with the program was Sunday.
After the game, Brown didn’t hold back his feelings about how the situation unfolded. “We could’ve done a joint press conference, I could’ve stayed, and we could’ve worked all of this out where I worked here for a while,” Brown said. “But that didn’t happen.”
It’s a bittersweet ending for Brown, who has had a storied career in college football. While he agreed that it was time for a leadership change, the lack of collaboration in the transition clearly left him disappointed.
Who Is Freddie Kitchens?
For those unfamiliar with Freddie Kitchens, his resume is nothing short of impressive. Kitchens joined the Tar Heels in 2023 after spending a year at South Carolina. Before that, he spent a whopping 16 years in the NFL, including a stint as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. His extensive experience at both the collegiate and professional levels makes him a logical choice to step in as interim head coach during this transitional period.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Kitchens’ coaching journey:
- 2023-Present: Run game coordinator and tight ends coach at UNC
- 2022: Assistant coach at South Carolina
- 16 years in the NFL, including time as head coach of the Cleveland Browns
Now, Kitchens faces the challenge of keeping the team focused and motivated as they prepare for their bowl game. It’s a tall order, but his experience and leadership could provide the stability the Tar Heels need right now.
What’s Next for North Carolina?
With Kitchens stepping in as interim head coach, the big question is: Who will take over the program permanently? The search for a new head coach is officially underway, and it’s a decision that will shape the future of North Carolina football for years to come.
Meanwhile, the Tar Heels have one more game to play this season. The upcoming bowl game will be an opportunity for the team to end the year on a high note and for Kitchens to showcase his ability to lead. It’s also a chance for the players to rally together and prove that they can rise above the uncertainty surrounding the program.
Final Thoughts
Change is never easy, especially in the world of college football, where tradition and loyalty run deep. Mack Brown’s departure marks the end of an era for North Carolina, but it also opens the door for new opportunities. Freddie Kitchens has a chance to make his mark as interim head coach, and the Tar Heels have an opportunity to show their resilience as they navigate this transition.
As the search for a new head coach continues, all eyes will be on Chapel Hill. Who will step up to lead the Tar Heels into the future? And how will the team perform under Kitchens’ leadership in their bowl game? One thing’s for sure: The next chapter of North Carolina football is just beginning, and it’s going to be one to watch.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
