Arkansas Razorbacks Hire Kansas RB Coach Reggie Mitchell to same Role with Hogs

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Arkansas Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema has found a highly experienced running backs coach and effective recruiter to replace departed running backs coach Jemal Singleton. On Friday Arkansas hired Reggie Mitchell from the Kansas Jayhawks staff where he spent the past six-plus years in Lawrence (1988-96, 2010-2015).

Mitchell has been a mainstay in Kansas sticking with the program through four different head coaches. One of his bigger accomplishments with the Jayhawks was guiding James Sims to back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Mitchell brings a pedigree of coaching excellence that includes helping mold six first round draft picks and aiding 33 players into the NFL. Among the players attached to Mitchell over the years includes Plaxico Burress, Charles Rogers, T.J. Duckett, and Rashard Mendenhall.

The loss of Mitchell for Kansas hurts head coach David Beaty. Mitchell is a highly regarded recruiter with strong ties to an important area for the Razorbacks, Dallas, Texas. During his time with Kansas, Mitchell has twice held the title of recruiting coordinator 2010-11 and 2014-15.

The 55-year-old assistant has been coaching for 33 years with previous stints at Illinois and Michigan State. While at Illinois (2005-09) the Fighting Illini won two Big Ten rushing titles (2006-07). Mitchell has other coaching stops at Central Michigan, Ferris State, Michigan, Western Michigan, and Kent State. He played his college ball at Central Michigan (1978-81). Mitchell also held the title of recruiting coordinator while with the Spartans from 2000-04.

Arkansas needed a replacement for Singleton after he left the program joining the Indianapolis Colts staff.

Photo credit: ljworld.com; Coach Mitchell with the Kansas Jayhawks.