John
Mitchell is in his 14th 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 35th season of coaching,
including 16 years at the college level and two in the United States Football
League. This is his 17th 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 injured
Hampton 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 LouisianaState (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, 55, 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
EasternArizonaJunior 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.
Mitchell's Coaching
Timeline:
YearTeamPosition
1973-1976AlabamaDefensive line
1977-1982ArkansasDefensive line
1983-1985Birmingham Stallions (USFL)Defensive line