Steelers assistant head coach John Mitchell retired Wednesday after 29 seasons in Pittsburgh — a half-century in all in coaching.
He began his coaching career in 1973 at his alma mater, Alabama, coaching defensive ends and learning under coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. In 1971, he was the first Black player to wear the Crimson Tide uniform.
Mitchell later coached at Arkansas, LSU and Temple, then moved on to the Cleveland Browns as an assistant to Bill Belichick in 1991 and to the Steelers as defensive line coach in 1994.
He held that position for Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin through the 2006 season, then added assistant head coach to his title from 2007-17. He served as assistant coach only the past five seasons. Mitchell, 71, won two Super Bowl rings with the Steelers.
“I’m grateful to the Rooney family for the wonderful opportunity to coach and work for the Steelers for nearly 30 years,” Mitchell said. “It was truly an honor. I’d also like to thank Coach Tomlin for giving me the opportunity to stay with the franchise when Coach Cowher retired. I will treasure my time in Pittsburgh and appreciate everyone affiliated with the organization.”
Art Rooney II, president of the Steelers, expressed the team’s appreciation to Mitchell.
“Coach Mitch has been a pivotal member of the Steelers organization, in a variety of roles, for the better part of 30 years,” Rooney said in a team statement. “When you consider his path, as both a player and coach, Mitch created opportunities in football for young Black men that quite honestly didn’t previously exist. He has left an imprint on this franchise, and the sport and culture of football, that will continue well beyond his retirement.”
–Field Level Media