Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach John Mitchell receives lifetime achievement award

Former longtime Pittsburgh Steelers assistant John Mitchell has been named one of the winners of the 2023 Paul ‘Dr. Z’ Zimmerman Award.

The award, presented by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA), is given out for lifetime achievement as an assistant coach in the NFL. Mitchell, who retired in February, spent 29 years in the Steelers’ organization in various roles. He began as defensive line coach (1994-2006) before adding assistant head coach as part of his duties in 2007. Since 2018, Mitchell served exclusively as assistant head coach under Mike Tomlin.

“I’m grateful to the Rooney family for the wonderful opportunity to coach and work for the Steelers for nearly 30 years,” Mitchell said at the time of his retirement, via ESPN. “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 [Bill] Cowher retired. I will treasure my time in Pittsburgh and appreciate everyone affiliated with the organization.”

Mitchell, 71, broke the color barrier at Alabama during the 1970s, becoming the first African American to play football for the Crimson Tide. He started 24 games games at defensive line in 1971 and ’72, helping lead the Crimson Tide to a 21-3 record. In addition to winning back-to-back SEC championships, Mitchell earned All-SEC honors twice and an All-America nod in his final season.

Mitchell returned to Alabama in 1973, becoming the team’s defensive ends coach. He would bounce around the collegiate ranks, as well as a short stint in the United States Football League (USFL) before getting his first NFL opportunity with the Cleveland Browns in 1991. Mitchell served under head coach Bill Belichick for three seasons before moving on to Pittsburgh. He retired as the Steelers’ longest-tenured coach.

John Mitchell a beloved member of the Steelers’ organization

“Coach Mitch has been a pivotal member of the Steelers organization, in a variety of roles, for the better part of 30 years,” Steelers president Art Rooney II said in a statement at the time of Mitchell’s retirement. “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.”

Mitchell is one of three recipients of the 2023 Paul ‘Dr. Z’ Zimmerman Award. New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale and the late Bobb McKittrick are the other nominees.