Former Steelers DB Would Love to Join Coaching Staff

Originally appeared at Steelers Now: Former Steelers DB Would Love to Join Coaching Staff

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost assistant defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander to the Las Vegas Raiders on Wednesday. And with that opening, some speculation began to swirl that former Steelers safety Mike Mitchell could return to the team to assume that post

Mitchell is not having his contract with the Indianapolis Colts renewed, meaning he will depart the organization. He had been with the team has part of their coaching staff as the assistant defensive backs coach. But after the idea was floated out there, Mitchell commented on the idea on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Would be an honor and an amazing opportunity,” Mitchell said.

As for Mitchell, it would seem like a fit in Pittsburgh is perfect for him. The Steelers need someone to coach up the safeties now that Alexander is gone, and he would make perfect sense for that role. With the continuity on the defensive side of the ball, someone with a similar vision to that of defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and secondary coach Grady Brown is essential.

With more openings on the staff than most offseasons in recent memory, Mike Tomlin and the rest of his staff will have to work to find a replacement. Mitchell played for Tomlin from 2014 to 2017 as one of the enforcers in the back end of the defense during that era.

His experience makes him qualified for the Steelers’ job, too. Alexander was the third coach to officially depart the Steelers following the end of the 2023 season, following offensive assistant Glenn Thomas and strength and conditioning coach Marcel Pastoor. 

But someone like Mitchell could make filling the vacancy left behind by Alexander much easier than other jobs that are not opened up.