Stump Mitchell

Lyvonia Albert "Stump" Mitchell (born March 15, 1959) is an American football coach and former professional player. He served as head football coach at Morgan State University from 1996 to 1998 and Southern University from 2010 to 2012, compiling an overall college football record of 14–42. Mitchell played collegiately at The Citadel and thereafter was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He was a running back and return specialist for the Cardinals from 1981 to 1989.

Early years

Mitchell's football career began at Camden County High School, Camden County, Georgia. He played collegiately for The Citadel and still holds school records for rushing yards in a season (1,647) and career (4,062). A 3-year starter at tailback he was a 2 time all Southern Conference selection; as a senior in 1980 he was the second leading rusher in NCAA Division 1-A behind Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers and was named a Third Team All-American. He was also honored as the Southern Conference Player of the Year and the South Carolina Amateur Athlete of the Year.

Mitchell also participated in track and field competition at The Citadel, recording a 23-foot 3 inch jump in 1981.

Professional playing career

Mitchell was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the ninth round (226th pick overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft. A 5'9", 188 lbs. running back from The Citadel, Mitchell played for the Cardinals from 1981–1989 and ended his NFL career with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1990, he made a brief comeback with the Arena Football League in 1993. His best year as a pro was during the 1985 season when he rushed for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns; he holds the Cardinals franchise record for all-purpose yards with 11,998.

Coaching career

Mitchell served as head coach at Casa Grande Union High School in Casa Grande, Arizona from 1993 to 1994. He was the head coach at Morgan State University from 1996 to 1998, compiling a record of 8–24. He then served as the running backs coach for the Seattle Seahawks from 1999 to 2007. He took the running backs coaching position on the Washington Redskins staff in 2008. Mitchell accepted the head coaching position at Southern University on January 11, 2010. During his first season, Mitchell led Southern to a 2–9 record. In 2011, the Jaguars finished with a 4–7 record.

To start off the 2012 season, Southern suffered a 66–21 loss to the New Mexico Lobos. After that defeat, the Jaguars returned home for a Thursday home game against Mississippi Valley State which aired nationally on ESPNU. Southern was upset 6–0 by Valley in that contest. The next day Mitchell was reassigned to another position within the University, ending his tenure as Southern's head coach after only 24 games. He finished with an 6–18 overall record. Defensive coordinator Dawson Odums was named as the interim coach of the Jaguars.

Personal life

Mitchell is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. His nickname came from the fact that he played football with guys two to four years older than he was when he was a kid. Being from a small country town they said he was tougher than a stump.