Matt Mitchell

Biography

Matt Mitchell enters his fourth season as outside linebackers coach in 2026. Mitchell will also serve as the Badgers' associate head coach for the first time in 2026. Mitchell joined the Badgers' staff on Jan. 23, 2023 after 13 years as the head coach at Grand Valley State in Allendale, Mich. Mitchell's unit was a strength of the Badger defense in 2025, led by a group of experienced pass rushers. Darryl Peterson (6.5) and Mason Reiger (5.0) both finished with more than five sacks, becoming the first Badger tandem to do so since 2021. Peterson led the Badgers with 11.5 TFLs, the most for a Wisconsin OLB since Nick Herbig posted 15.5 in 2022. He was named the Big Ten defensive player of the week for his three-sack effort in a Senior Night win over Illinois. In 2024, Mitchell led a unit that included a breakout season by OLB Aaron Witt. Witt, who was hampered by injuries early in his career, posted 4.5 TFLs and 28 total tackles. OLBs John Pius (2.5) and Sebastian Cheeks (2.0) both recorded multiple sacks during the 12-game season. On special teams, Nathanial Vakos converted 12-of-19 attempts and all 31 of his extra point tries. Punter Atticus Bertrams improved his punting average to 45.3 from 41.3 as a freshman in 2023. Bertrams ranked second in the Big Ten in punting average. In his first season as a Badger, Mitchell helped OLB C.J. Goetz tally 11.0 TFLs to rank sixth in the Big Ten. OLB Darryl Peterson led the Badgers with 4.5 sacks. Wisconsin posted a 7-6 record and secured a