First Black Alabama football player retires from coaching

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced on Wednesday that long-time assistant head coach John Mitchell is retiring from football after 29 years with the team.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin released a statement regarding his retirement.

“I’m not sure that I can offer sufficient praise and admiration for Mitch – as both a man and football coach. 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.”

As Tomlin mentioned, Mitchell was the first black football player to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mitchell played under legendary head coach Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant back in the early 1970s.

Last April, during Alabama’s annual spring game, the school honored Mitchell and Wilbur Jackson, who also was one of the first black players at ‘Bama.

Mitchell also released a statement about his retirement.

“I’m grateful to the Rooney family for the wonderful opportunity to coach and work for the Steelers for nearly 30 years,” Mitchell said via WPXI. “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.”

Mitchell started as the defensive line coach back with the team in 1994, but since 2007 has served as Mike Tomlin’s assistant head coach.

{WPXI ,Pittsburgh Steelers}