AFLE
GoldBowl2026
Sep 6 · Duisburg0d 00h
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©Max Rhulen

Firenze Red Lions appoint Mike Mitchell as offensive coordinator

The Firenze Red Lions have added experienced American coach Mike Mitchell to their staff as offensive coordinator. Mitchell brings decades of coaching experience from high school, college, and international football.

Long coaching career

Mitchell has coached at several programs throughout his career, including Humboldt State University, De Anza College, the Sandpoint Bulldogs, the Zagreb Patriots, the Uppsala 86’ers, and most recently the Frankfurt Galaxy.

During his time at Humboldt State, he worked together with current Firenze head coach Bart Andrus. After Andrus left the program, Mitchell continued coaching the team and helped lead Humboldt State to a historic double championship while breaking numerous offensive school records.

Later, as head coach at De Anza College, he led the team to its first championship in more than 15 years. Mitchell also received several Coach of the Year awards during his time coaching high school football.

Experience in Europe

Mitchell has also coached in Europe. In 2012, he led the Zagreb Patriots to the Croatian championship with a dominant 61–0 victory in the final. In 2015, he became head coach of the Uppsala 86’ers and guided the team to the semifinals of the Swedish Super Series.

Most recently, he worked as offensive line coach for the Frankfurt Galaxy, once again alongside Bart Andrus.

Reunion with a familiar coach

Mitchell and Andrus have known each other for nearly 40 years. Mitchell also visited Andrus at training camps with teams such as the Tennessee Titans, the Amsterdam Admirals, and the Philadelphia Stars.

Now the two coaches reunite in Firenze, where Mitchell will lead the Red Lions offense as offensive coordinator.

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