Jarvis Landry Comment About Freddie Kitchens Firing Proves 'Pittsburgh Started it' Shirt Cost Him
By Mark Powell
Freddie Kitchens was relieved of his duties after one season as Cleveland Browns head coach. Despite having a team stacked with talent, the Browns fell well short of expectations as they have so many times before.
While Kitchens was ultimately surprised he was let go, as he believed he had organizational support, perhaps the leaders in the locker room didn't feel as strongly about the first-year skipper.
When asked what the Browns should look for in a new Browns coach, Jarvis Landry might've taken a parting shot at Kitchens.
Asked WR Jarvis Landry for the key traits needed in the #Browns next head coach: “Someone who demands respect, someone who respects his players and someone who respects opponents.”
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) December 30, 2019
We'll have to assume those are all the attributes Kitchens did NOT have.
That last line, however, is particularly true, as Kitchens was caught wearing a 'Pittsburgh Started It' t-shirt just before Cleveland's second meeting with the Steelers when both AFC North squads (at the time) were still in playoff contention. Giving the Steelers even more motivation for this rivalry clash was not an effective strategy.
#Browns owner and GM John Dorsey briefly met w/ team at 10:30am. From what I was told, nothing was said specifically about what they’re looking for in a head coach, why they moved on from Freddie Kitchens or if front office structure may still change.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) December 30, 2019
Landry appears committed to Cleveland for the long haul, and his blunt honesty is exactly what the Browns need, as the franchise lacks leadership from the top-down.