Wisconsin Badgers

Matt Mitchell enters his third season as outside linebackers coach and special teams coordinator in 2025. Matt Mitchell joined the Badgers' staff on Jan. 23, 2023 after 13 years as the head coach at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich.

In 2024, Mitchell led a unit that included a breakout season by OLB Aaron Witt. Witt, who was hampered by injuries early in his career, posted 4.5 TFLs and 28 total tackles. OLBs John Pius (2.5) and Sebastian Cheeks (2.0) both recorded multiple sacks during the 12-game season. On special teams, Nathanial Vakos converted 12-of-19 attempts and all 31 of his extra point tries. Punter Atticus Bertrams improved his punting average to 45.3 from 41.3 as a freshman in 2023. Bertrams ranked second in the Big Ten in punting average. 

In his first season as a Badger, Mitchell helped OLB C.J. Goetz tally 11.0 TFLs to rank sixth in the Big Ten. OLB Darryl Peterson led the Badgers with 4.5 sacks. Wisconsin posted a 7-6 record and secured a trip to Tampa to take on No. 13 LSU in the ReliaQuest Bowl. 

On special teams, kicker Nathanial Vakos earned All-Big Ten honorable mention accolades after converting 15-of-19 field goal attempts, including a 14-for-15 clip inside of 49 yards. 

Mitchell established a winning culture during his distinguished career at Grand Valley State, compiling a mark of 117-31 (.790) over 12 seasons of action. He guided the Lakers to seven NCAA DII Playoff appearances, two NCAA DII National Semifinal appearances, three GLIAC Championships, three GLIAC North Division titles, and two undefeated regular seasons.

Under Mitchell, Grand Valley State finished the 2022 regular season undefeated, claimed the GLIAC Championship, and regained the top spot in the national polls. The Lakers landed 22 players on the All-GLIAC team and tallied four league Player of the Year honors. Nine different GVSU players earned All-America honors following the 2022 season.
 
Since the beginning of 2018, Mitchell guided GVSU to a 40-8 record. Without the 2020 season of action due to COVID, the Lakers made three NCAA playoff appearances over the last four seasons.

Before becoming head coach in 2010, Mitchell spent six seasons as a defensive assistant on the Lakers’ staff, coaching defensive backs (2004-2009) and linebackers (2008-2009). The GVSU defense led the charge during the Lakers’ back-to-back undefeated, national championship seasons in 2005 and 2006.
 
Mitchell and defensive coordinator Mike Tressel have connections that run back to their playing days at Cornell College (Iowa). The pair were roommates and teammates, before both serving as assistants at Wartburg College (Iowa) from 1998 to 2001 to begin their coaching careers. Tressel joined the Ohio State staff as a GA in 2002 while Mitchell arrived at GVSU to coach the defensive backs in 2004.
 
Mitchell was a two-time, First-team All-Midwest Conference selection as a defensive lineman during his playing career at Cornell College where he earned a degree in biology and secondary education in 1997. Matt and his wife, Jen, have two sons, Tray and RJ.

Personal
Wife: Jen
Children: Sons, Tray and RJ
Education: Cornell College '97

Playing Career
1994-1997: Cornell College (Defensive Line)
 

Mitchell's Coaching Career
Year	School/Team	Position
2000-03	Wartburg College	Linebackers
2004-07	Grand Valley State	Defensive Backs
2007-09	Grand Valley State	Linebackers/Defensive Backs
2010-22	Grand Valley State	Head Coach
2023-present	Wisconsin	Outside Linebackers/Special Teams