Sam Mitchell: From the NFL to the Boardroom

Early Life and Career

Sam Mitchell was born on September 3, 1968, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended the University of Maine, where he played football as a linebacker. Mitchell was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fifth round of the 1990 NFL Draft.

Mitchell played for the Vikings for 10 seasons, starting 125 games. He was a member of the Vikings' NFC Championship team in 1998. Mitchell retired from the NFL in 2001.

Coaching Career

Mitchell began his coaching career as the defensive coordinator of the Maine Black Bears in 2002. He then spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens before being hired as the head coach of the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL) in 2007.

Mitchell led the Argonauts to a Grey Cup championship in his first season. He was named the CFL's Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2012. Mitchell left the Argonauts in 2012 to become the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings.

Return to the NFL

Mitchell was fired by the Vikings after three seasons. He then spent two seasons as the defensive coordinator of the Oakland Raiders before being hired as the head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL in 2018.

Mitchell led the Tiger-Cats to a Grey Cup championship in 2019. He was named the CFL's Coach of the Year for the third time in his career.

Business Career

In addition to his football career, Mitchell is also a successful businessman. He is the founder and CEO of Mitchell Sports & Entertainment, a sports management company. Mitchell is also a partner in the ownership group of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

Legacy

Sam Mitchell is one of the most successful coaches in football history. He has won three Grey Cup championships and has been named the CFL's Coach of the Year three times. Mitchell is also a successful businessman and is a role model for young people around the world.