UNC football program names Freddie Kitchens as the interim head coach

The UNC football program just named tight ends coach and run game coordinator Freddie Kitchens as the interim head coach.

Head coach Mack Brown led the team for the final time in its 35-30 loss to NC State. But at 6-6, North Carolina is bowl eligible. Where the Tar Heels land remains to be seen, but it will be in their interest to accept a bowl invitation, wherever it may be.

NCAA rules allow bowl teams an additional three to four weeks of practice with up to 20 hours per week of practice time. Some of that time is after winter exams, so UNC can almost have a training camp-type environment. With Mack Brown out, it will be good for the remaining players to have a familiar face running the show.

Kitchens has a long career with most of his time spent in the NFL. He promoted through the Cleveland Browns franchise all the way to head coach in 2019, but only lasted one season. He has spent most of his career coaching tight ends, notably at Mississippi State, then at the NFL level with Dallas, Arizona, and the New York Giants. Kitchens was a senior analyst with South Carolina before joining Mack Brown's staff.

Good luck to Coach Kitchens and the North Carolina football program as they prepare for bowl season!