AFC Notes: Antonio Brown, Browns, Jaguars

Antonio Brown

Antonio Brown said that he will soon address “all the negative speculations about my character” in regards to his ongoing dispute with the Steelers.

“For all the negative speculations about my character, I’ll be addressing it soon,” Brown said, via TMZ.

Brown added that he is “still excited to play” and is still “motivated, inspired, encouraged” with his NFL career.

“I’ll be sure to tap in with you guys, but it’s all positive. I’m 31, I’m still excited to play, I’m here with one of my mentors, one of my brothers. Right now man, I’m just embracing the New Year, the start of something fresh. That’s all I can really give you all right now. But yes I’m 31 and still excited to play the game. I’m motivated, inspired, encouraged. Stay by the phone, my phone lines open.”

Browns

Browns owner Jimmy Haslam praised new HC Freddie Kitchens and said he has shown “all of the qualities” you want in a head coach.

“We are thrilled to announce Freddie Kitchens as the new head coach of the Cleveland Browns,” said Haslam. “He did an outstanding job in his role as coordinator, and we know that will continue as he steps into the role of head coach. Freddie demonstrated all of the qualities that you want in someone who is leading your organization. He has unquestioned leadership. He is a man of integrity. He fosters a collaborative environment. He gets the most out of his players and our players loved playing for him. We are happy to have him leading the Cleveland Browns going forward.”

Browns GM John Dorsey said the organizations had a “deliberate and thorough process” in their search for a head coach and credit Kitchens’ progress as a coordinator.

“We had a deliberate and thorough process and one thing became evident — that Freddie is the best person to lead the Cleveland Browns,” Dorsey said. “We saw firsthand what Freddie is able to do. He showed that he is consistent on a day in and day out basis and that he is a true leader. He helped unify our players in a tough time. He raised the bar for our offense last year, and I have no doubt he is going to raise the bar for our entire team.”

• Rob Demovsky reports that the Browns are hiring former Packers OL coach James Campen as their associate HC/OL coach.
• Tom Pelissero reports that Browns interviewed Utah OL coach Jim Harding, who is considered to be one of the best at the college level.
• According to Mike Klis, Broncos OT coach Chris Strausser is drawing interest from the Browns.

Jaguars

• Alex Marvez reports that the Jaguars are expected to hire George Warhop as OL coach and Tim Walton as defensive backs coach.