Steelers HC Mike Tomlin releases statement on retirement of John Mitchell

On Wednesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced that longtime defensive line coach and assistant head coach John Mitchell is retiring. Mitch spent nearly three seasons with the Steelers. Head coach Mike Tomlin released the statement below on Mitchell’s 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.