FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas has hired Kansas running backs coach Reggie Mitchell to the same position.
Mitchell has spent 15 seasons in two stints with the Jayhawks and was briefly the program's interim head coach in 2011. He has also served as an assistant coach at Illinois, Michigan State and Minnesota during his 33-year career.
“I got to know Reggie during my time in the Big Ten and he was known as a dominant recruiter,” Arkansas coach Bret Bielema said. “Over his career he’s recruited and developed elite running backs and athletes that had great college careers and advanced to the NFL. I’m excited about the opportunity to have Coach Mitchell join our staff.”
At Illinois, Mitchell was the position coach for Rashard Mendenhall, who rushed for 1,681 yards and 17 touchdown as a senior, helping the Fighting Illini to the Rose Bowl. Mendenhall was a first round pick the following year in the NFL Draft.
Earlier in his career at Michigan State, Mitchell spent one season as position coach for future NFL receiver Plaxico Burress.
Mitchell will replace Jemal Singleton as running backs coach. Singleton left the Razorbacks earlier this month to accept the same position for the NFL's Indianapolis Colts.
Singleton was the second running backs coach to leave Arkansas for the NFL in as many off-seasons.
“Arkansas is a special place with a ton of tradition, especially at the running back position," Mitchell said. "I know there’s a talented group of running backs there and I can’t wait to get there a keep that tradition going.”
Read Saturday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Tom Murphy contributed to this report.