NFL Assistant Coach Sends Steelers a Message
The Pittsburgh Steelers should contact Mike Mitchell, according to a tweet from Mark Kaboly of The Athletic following the loss of assistant defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander. Mitchell has spent the last two seasons as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Indianapolis Colts.
It’s reasonable to assume Mitchell would be open to coaching in Pittsburgh.
Mitchell tweeted back, “Would be an honor and an amazing opportunity,” in answer to Kaboly.Promoting
The Colts recruited Mitchell as an NFL coach in 2022. But on January 24, Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star disclosed that Mitchell’s Indianapolis contract was terminated, and the team does not plan on having him return in 2024.
From 2014 until 2017, Mitchell was a safety with the Steelers. He recorded 281 total tackles over the course of four seasons, with one tackle for loss. In addition, Mitchell recorded four interceptions and 23 pass defenses.
Could Mike Mitchell Be Selected to Join the Defensive Staff of the Pittsburgh Steelers?
It’s an intriguing concept to have Mitchell return to Pittsburgh as an assistant coach. Joey Porter Sr. played for the Steelers, but he was coached by Bill Cowher. From 2014 to 2018, he was Mike Tomlin’s outside linebackers coach and defensive assistant.
If Mitchell was a defensive backs coach in Pittsburgh, he would do the same thing—play for the Steelers and coach them.
Before the 2014 season, Mitchell agreed to a five-year, $25 million contract with the Steelers. During his four seasons there, he helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win three division crowns and make it to the AFC Championship Game in 2016–17.
The Oakland Raiders selected Mitchell in the second round of the draft to start his career. In 2013, Mitchell had a career year with the Carolina Panthers following four years with the Raiders.
Before agreeing to a large contract with the Steelers, he finished the season with 66 total tackles, 4 sacks, and 4 interceptions.
In 2018, Mitchell’s tenure with the Colts came to an end. Frank Reich’s first season in Indianapolis was that one. Reich added Mitchell to the Colts coaching staff four years later.
Mitchell totaled 514 tackles in 10 NFL seasons, with 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 42 pass defenses, and 11 interceptions.
Search for the Steelers Offensive Coordinator
Eventually, the Steelers might focus exclusively on Mitchell. However, it appears that the organization is currently concentrating on potential offensive coordinators.
Zac Robinson, one of the applicants the Steelers asked to interview, decided to become the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons.
Right now, the Steelers have two contenders.
The Steelers may also take into consideration former NFL head coaches Kliff Kingsbury and Arthur Smith, as well as San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak.
All three names have been mentioned by NFL commentators as potential additions to the Steelers this offseason.
