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John Mitchell is in his 15th season as the Steelers defensive line coach, ranking him as the longest-tenured member of the Steelers coaching staff. He remained with the team following Mike Tomlin’s hiring in January, 2007.

Mitchell, who joined the Steelers’ coaching staff Jan. 31, 1994, is in his 36th season of coaching, including 16 years at the college level and two in the United States Football League. This is his 18th season as an NFL coach.

Mitchell has been instrumental in the development of the Steelers defensive linemen, including three-time Pro Bowl nose tackle Casey Hampton and defensive end Aaron Smith, who earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2005. He also helped develop starting defensive end Brett Keisel and nose tackle Chris Hoke, who filled in sensationally for an injuredHampton during the 2004 season.

Under his guidance, Pittsburgh’s defensive front helped shut down its opponents’ offensive rushing attack all season in 2006 as the team did not allow a single 100-yard rusher all season. The Steelers ranked third in the NFL in rushing defense, allowing just 88.3 yards per game.

A former All-America defensive end for Alabama, Mitchell was the first African-American to play for the Crimson Tide. Mitchell’s early years in coaching were spent studying under two of college football’s greatest coaches. He began his coaching career in 1973 as defensive line coach under Paul ‘‘Bear’’ Bryant at Alabama (1973-76). He then spent six seasons as defensive line coach at Arkansas (1977-82) on Lou Holtz’s staff.

In 1983, Mitchell made his first move to the professional level. From 1983-85 he served as defensive line coach for the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions and returned to the college ranks in 1986 as defensive ends coach at Temple.

Mitchell began a four-year stint in 1987 as linebackers coach at Louisiana State (1987-90) under former Steelers’ linebacker coach Mike Archer, who was the head coach. In 1990, Mitchell became the first African-American defensive coordinator in Southeastern Conference (SEC) history when he was named LSU’s defensive coordinator. He also coached the Tigers’ linebackers.

Mitchell, 56, joined the NFL ranks in 1991 with the Cleveland Browns, where he tutored two Pro Bowl defensive tackles, Michael Dean Perry and Rob Burnett. Mitchell accepted his current appointment following three seasons coaching the defensive line for the Browns.

A two-time Junior College All-American defensive end at Eastern Arizona Junior College in 1969-70, Mitchell then transferred to Alabama. A starter at defensive end from 1971-72, Mitchell earned All-America honors in 1972. He earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1972.

Born Oct. 14, 1951, in Mobile, Ala., Mitchell and his wife Joyce live in Pittsburgh.