Even though Stump Mitchell interviewed for an open NFL coaching position this week, he reassured Wednesday his plans to remain as head football coach at Southern.
On the first day of 15 scheduled spring practices, Mitchell told the (Baton Rouge) Advocate that he not only wants to finish out his current contract, but he’s entrenched at the school for the long haul.
“No, I won’t be here. I’ll be in Albuquerque,” Mitchell said when asked of the prospects he would coach the team during the season opener (September1) against the University of New Mexico.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch reported that Mitchell, a former pro running back with St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals, met with St. Louis Rams officials Monday to interview for the vacant running backs coach position.
It is unclear if he was offered the job, however, team personnel said “the meeting went well.”
Mitchell was the running backs coach for the Washington Redskins before being named Southern’s coach.
Mitchell, 52, has compiled a disappointing 6-16 record at Southern the last two years. Additionally, Greg LeFluer, who hired Mitchell, is no longer with the school after he found himself in legal troubles last spring.
Mitchell is heading into the final year of a three-year $600,000 contract, and wants to stick around as long a Southern will or if the NFL doesn’t came calling.
“Forever. Forever. … I would love to be here forever, until I’m done. Forever,” Mitchell said.
