The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to be without a well known member of their coaching staff starting next season, as longtime defensive line coach and assistant head coach John Mitchell announced today that he's calling it a career after 29 seasons under Bill Cowher and Mike Tomlin 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," said Mitchell. "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."
Head coach Mike Tomlin released the following statement shortly after the announcement was made:
"I’m not sure that I can offer sufficient praise and admiration for Mitch – as both a man and football coach," Tomlin said. "Mitch has been a central figure in the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers for nearly three decades. He has coached some of the best players in this franchise’s illustrious history, and each one of them, to a man, would tell you their success was a direct result of not only Mitch’s coaching acumen, but also his mentorship, leadership and character. Those traits were most evident when he chose to attend the University of Alabama. Mitch’s path not only changed his life, but the lives of so many others. It’s impossible to truly measure his impact on the game, but I’m eternally grateful for the 16 years we worked together and wish him and Joyce the absolute best in retirement."
