Former Laker defensive coordinator Matt Mitchell was named the new Grand Valley head football coach during a news conference January 5 in the Laker Turf Building.
Mitchell replaces Chuck Martin, who was named defensive backs
coach at the University of Notre Dame. Mitchell, 35, has coached at
Grand Valley for six years. His defensive team finished the 2009
season ranked first in the GLIAC in scoring defense (17.7 points per
game), sacks (48) and interceptions (21).
Tim Selgo, director of athletics, said after interviewing other
candidates there “was no doubt in my mind that Matt Mitchell will be a
great fit for Grand Valley.” He cited Mitchell’s success in building a
solid defensive unit and his ability to recruit good student-athletes.
Mitchell, who had been an assistant coach at Wartburg (Iowa)
College before coming to Grand Valley, said he’s excited to take over
as head coach of a storied football program.
“I understand the tradition of Grand Valley football and I often
say to our team, ‘We’re standing on the shoulders of giants.’” he
said. “I’m aware that high achievement comes within the framework of
high expectations, and we’re going to expect great things to happen
again this season.”
Mitchell is the seventh head footbal coach at Grand Valley. He
earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and secondary education from
Cornell College in Iowa.
