Exclusive: Fired Browns Coach Takes Parting Shot at Kareem Hunt
Mitchell had harsh words for Kareem Hunt just days after his release.
Mitchell has been on a mini media tour since being fired by the Browns on Jan. 17. He said offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt and coach T.J. McCartney.
Mitchell told News 5 Cleveland’s Camryn Justice that he had a bad relationship with Hunt while in Cleveland. “What I couldn’t do when I was there was get the best out of Kareem. If they bring him back, I hope the next coach gets the most out of Kareem,” Mitchell told Justice. “As a coach, you just want to make a player better, but I couldn’t help him not to be last in meetings and not show up to training. Kareem is a great player, but it’s a team game and Jacoby Brissett and Deshaun talking to him. I tried to take advantage of everything. But in this business, time is of the essence.”
Hunt spent the last five seasons with the Browns. Mitchell was his trainer for many years. Aside from his criticism of Hunt, Mitchell had only good things to say about his time with the Browns.
“I had the opportunity to work for this organization for five years,” Mitchell said. “There is no bad blood.”
Kareem Hunt had an interesting game with the Browns.
Hunt had a good relationship with the Browns. He staged a brief heist, demanding a settlement in 2022. He returned, but saw his role in Cleveland gradually diminish as time went on, playing behind Nick Chubb.
Hunt’s time with the Browns appears to be over after the 2022-2023 season. But after Chubb’s season-ending knee injury, the Browns needed a veteran, and Hunt returned.
Hunt had a team-high 135 carries for 411 yards and a team-high nine rushing touchdowns last season. But his 3.0 yards per carry were the worst of his career. Mitchell said he hopes Hunt can turn things around, but he needs to restate his position and be more honest about it. “I think everybody has a chance to get the best out of Kareem,” Mitchell said. “I think Karim has a lot to offer. But I think he should dedicate himself as much as he can and not limit himself to what he was before. “I think he’s going to be a great player,” he said.
Kareem Hunt is slated to return to the Browns next season.
Hunt becomes a free agent in his second season. He wasn’t so lucky last time, but he was grateful for the chance. Hunt indicated he could return to Cleveland after the season.
“If the opportunity comes and he’s here, I wouldn’t mind going back. This is my hometown and I want to do nothing more than help them win a Super Bowl,” Hunt said. “That is my greatest hope. Whether I’m playing for another team or they win a championship in Cleveland, I’m always happy. Cleveland is my hometown. If that happens, I will join the parade and support them. “I wish the organization and the Cleveland Browns all the best and I’m excited to be a part of this long-term journey.”
The Browns are slated to return Jerome Ford next season. The biggest issue is Chubb’s status. The four-time Pro Bowler is expected to return next season, but uncertainty surrounding his health remains. The Browns may have to re-sign Chubb to keep him around.
