Matt Mitchell enters his first year as the head coach of the Grand Valley State University football program.

Mitchell, who is the seventh head coach in the programs history, was most recently the defensive coordinator at GVSU. In addition to his head coach responsibilities, Mitchell will remain the defensive coordinator. Grand Valley State Director of Athletics, Tim Selgo, made the announcement on January 5.

"I am pleased to announce that Matt Mitchell is the seventh head football coach in the proud history of Grand Valley State football," said Selgo. "We interviewed an outstanding group of candidates for our head football coaching position and each one of those candidates were first class individuals and outstanding football coaches. Ultimately, we had to make a decision that was in the best interest of our student-athletes at GVSU and there is no doubt in my mind that we found that person in Matt Mitchell," added Selgo.

A six-year veteran of the GVSU coaching staff, Mitchell most recently concluded his second year as the defensive coordinator and linebacker/safety coach for the Lakers. Mitchell's 2009 squad finished the regular season ranked first in the GLIAC in scoring defense (17.7 ppg), rushing defense (95.6 ypg), total defense (305.0 ypg), turnover margin (+22), QB sacks (48), tackles for loss (7.1 pg), and interceptions (21). The Laker defense ranked in the top 20 of six NCAA DII categories and held six opponents to 10 points or less. Seven Laker defenders earned either All-GLIAC first or second-team honors in 2009.

The 2008 Laker defense led the GLIAC in six different categories and ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring defense (4th/12.6), QB sacks (2nd/4.17) and tackles for loss (6th/9.17). GVSU also ranked 17th in total defense (278.9), tallied two shutouts and limited seven opponents to 10 points or less on the year with Mitchell at the helm. Ten Lakers earned All-GLIAC plaudits, including Dan Skuta being named the GLIAC Defensive Lineman of the Year and being a consensus all-american selection.

Mitchell's 2007 Laker linebacking unit was the focal point of a GVSU defense that led the GLIAC and ranked nationally in scoring defense (14.5), total defense (303.6), pass efficiency defense (95.6) and QB sacks (42), while ranking second in pass defense (154.7) and rush defense (148.9). Grand Valley State held nine-of-13 opponents under 14 points and only one scored more than 21 points. Adams was a consensus all-american, while Carruth and Beaty earned All-GLIAC honors.

In 2006, the Laker defense held its opponents to seven points or less five times, including a shutout in the season-opener at Findlay. GVSU led the nation in QB sacks per game (3.53), while ranking fifth in turnovers gained (37). The Lakers held 8-of-15 foes under 100 yards rushing. Mitchell's linebacking unit featured All-American Anthony Adams, Matt Beaty, Kirk Carruth and P.J. Beuke. That group comprised four of the top 10 tacklers on the 2006 squad.

In 2005, the Lakers' defensive charge led the nation in pass efficiency defense (83.6), ranked third in scoring defense (12.2), fifth in total defense (254.6) and seventh in rushing defense (88.3). Grand Valley State held its opponents off the scoreboard in 25-of-52 quarters played during the 2005 season and seven-of-13 opponents scored 10 points or less. In addition, nine-of-13 foes failed to reach the 100-yard rushing mark. The Grand Valley State defense yielded 15 TDs in 13 games last season, with six of those 15 TDs coming in the fourth quarter. The Lakers held three opponents out of the endzone for over 11 quarters to start the season.

Mitchell's linebacking unit was key in the Lakers' dominating defense in 2004. GVSU led the GLIAC in scoring defense (14.4), rushing defense (99.2), and total defense (281.2). The Lakers ranked second in pass efficiency defense (95.7) and QB sacks (33). GVSU held six teams to seven points or less with one shutout (34-0 at Wayne State).

Prior to his arrival at GVSU, Mitchell spent four years at Wartburg (Iowa) College as an assistant coach, including the final two as the defensive coordinator. Wartburg, which compiled a record of 21-3 while Mitchell was in charge of the defense, advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III National Championship each of his last two years. Wartburg finished third in total defense, second in rush defense and eighth in scoring defense in 2003 under Mitchell's guidance. His 2002 defense also ranked among the top 10 statistically in Division III.

Mitchell is a certified strength and conditioning coach through the NSCA and a club coach certified through USA Weightlifting. Mitchell was named the Football Quarterly Division II Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year in February 2007.

Mitchell earned his B.S.S in Biology and Secondary Education from Cornell (Iowa) College in 1997. Matt was a two-time, First-Team All-Midwest Conference selection as a defensive lineman during his playing career at Cornell (Iowa) College.

Matt and his wife, the former Jenny Selgo, are the proud parents of son Trayton (1).