GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The second all-time winningest head coach at Grand Valley State University, Matt Mitchell has stepped down to move onto NCAA Division I Wisconsin as an assistant coach. Mitchell was a part of GVSU football for 19 years being the head coach for 13 years.
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“I am so thankful to have been a part of the Grand Valley State football program and Grand Valley State University. Grand Valley State is a special place, and I built so many wonderful relationships with our players, current and former, our coaching staff, the athletics administration, the football alumni, and within the University,” said Mitchell. “It was an honor to recruit and lead the young men that put so much time and effort into the culture that is Grand Valley State football.”
Mitchell concluded his 13th year as head coach at the end of 2022 recording a record for 12 years due to not playing in the CoVID year. He was 117-31 (.790) in that time making seven NCAA Division II national playoff appearances, two semi-final appearances, won three GLIAC Championships, three GLIAC North Division titles, and recording two undefeated regular seasons. This year, he guided the Lakers to a perfect regular season, a number one national ranking in both the AFCA and D2football national polls, and a berth in the Super Region 3 final.
“We deeply appreciate the leadership Matt Mitchell has provided over the last 13 years as the head coach of our football program. He developed relationships that will last a lifetime and implemented a strong culture of brotherhood and mentorship that gave our student-athletes the best chance for success on and off the field. He assisted our players in succeeding not only on the playing field, but also in life,” said Director of Athletics Keri Becker.
In his final season, Mitchell went 12-1 and 6-0 in the GLIAC winning the championship and receiving a first-round bye in the NCAA playoffs. They held off no. 8 Northwest Missouri State, 13-8, and then fell to eventual national champion no. 5 Ferris State, 24-21. They played seven ranked opponents in 13 games and had 22 players on the All-GLIAC team with four Player of the Year honors. Nine players went on to receive All-America honors.
Becker will begin the search for a new head coach immediately.
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