Report: Kitchens, Stefanski finalists

Browns offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchens and Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski are finalists to become the ninth full-time head coach of the Browns since 1999, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Kitchens interviewed for the job on Jan. 7. Stefanski was interviewed Jan. 3 and reportedly Jan. 8 was on his way to Cleveland for a second interview.

Other candidates interviewed since the Browns finished the season 7-8-1 are Browns interim head coach Gregg Williams, former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, Saints assistant head coach and tight ends coach Dan Campbell, Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores and Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus.

A Browns spokesman could not be reached to comment on the Kitchens and Stefanski report, but Rapoport reported the Browns were making phone calls to others who worked with Kitchens to learn more about him.

Kitchens, 44, and Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield developed a strong bond in the eight weeks Kitchens served as offensive coordinator after replacing fired Todd Haley. The Browns were 5-3. Mayfield threw 19 of his 27 touchdown passes with Kitchens calling plays.

Stefanski, 36, started the season as the Vikings quarterbacks coach. He was named offensive coordinator with three weeks left in the season when John DeFilippo was fired. He has been coaching with the Vikings since 2006.