Ex-Browns RB Coach Stump Mitchell Has One Regret From Time In Cleveland

In an exclusive sit down interview, recently fired Browns RB coach Stump Mitchell opened up about his time with the organization, including some interesting remarks about Kareem Hunt's work ethic

Sometimes NFL coaching changes can get messy.

That's not the case for recently fired Browns running backs Stump Mitchell, who in a tell-all interview with Camryn Justice of local TV station, News Channel 5, expressed no ill will for the Browns organization or head coach Kevin Stefanski. He did however express regret over one thing – running back Kareem Hunt. 

Asked to discuss the talented running back room he's worked with since his arrival in Cleveland in 2019, Mitchell, unprompted, suggested he lamented not getting more out of Hunt, calling into question the 28-year-old's work ethic.

"The thing that I couldn't do while I was there is get the best out of Kareem," Mitchell said. "If they bring him back, I hope the next coach will be able to get the best out of him. As a coach, all you want to do is to make a player better, but I wasn't able to get him to not be the last guy in meetings, not to be out at practice on time. Kareem is a hell of a player, but this is a team game."

Mitchell went on to explain some of the wways he attempted to draw more out of the former Chiefs running back, even encouraging key leaders on the team to speak with him. According to Mitchell, none of it seemed to change Hunt's demeanor.

"I tried to use every avenue that I could with Jacoby Brissett, also Deshaun [Watson], those guys talking to him," Mitchell said. "But timing in this business is everything.

"I think Kareem has a lot to offer. But I think what he needs to do is dedicate himself to getting all that he can get and don't settle for being who he's been in the past and I think he'll be one hell of a player."

Hunt actually began the 2023 season as a free agent after the Browns decided not to bring him back last offseason. However, after Nick Chubb suffered a terrible season-ending knee injury in Week 2, Hunt became a natural addition to a weakened running back room and swiftly re-signed with the team.

The Cleveland native went on to lead the team in touchdowns, finding the end zone a career high nine times. He also scored each of the Browns two touchdowns in their 45-14 Wild Card loss to the Texans. Still, it wasn't the most efficient of seasons for Hunt, who posted a career low three yards per carry. He finished the campaign with 411 yards rushing.

How Is Browns' QB Deshaun Watson Progressing In His Rehab From Shoulder Surgery?

While Hunt not realizing his full potential may be one of Mitchell's biggest regrets from his five years in Cleveland, he doesn't regret the experience as a whole, even after being let go by Stefanski. The 64-year-old understands that change in the NFL is inevitable.

"My takeaway is for everyone in that organization, players, everyone that has anything to do with the Cleveland Browns," he began, "everything that they do is for moving the program forward and nothing less. This is a business. They're trying to please their fans in every move that they make and I think they're going to do that."