The University of Manitoba Bisons Football team announces a new offensive coordinator coach for the upcoming 2008 season. Vaughan Mitchell will assume the role as he replaces outgoing Jeff Stead who departed to the University of Alberta.

Mitchell, 36, has had an extensive football background before assuming this new volunteer position with the Bisons. Mitchell began coaching with the Bisons in 1996 as the Offensive Line Coach, a position he held until 2002 when current Bison Coach Brett MacNeil came onto staff. Mitchell's varied coaching tenure with the Bisons has included six years as Offensive Line Coach, five years as the Running Backs Coach, four years as Offensive Coordinator (including a Vanier Cup appearance), and three years as Run Game/ Protections Coordinator (including a Vanier Cup National Championship).

Head Coach Brian Dobie promoted Mitchell to Offensive Coordinator prior to the 1999 season. In his four seasons as Offensive Coordinator, the Bisons earned a 26–5–1 regular season record, a Canada West championship and a Vanier Cup appearance in 2001. In both 2001 and 2002, the Bisons had the top ranked offence in the conference. Prior to the 2003 season, Mitchell relinquished the Offensive Coordinator role and accepted the position of Running Backs coach. Mitchell added the responsibilities of Protections and Run Game Coordinator in 2005, a season, which saw the Bisons, return to the playoffs after a two year absence.

Mitchell said, “I feel my previous experience as an Offensive Coordinator will be an asset. I know I can bring in new ideas and fresh approaches without discarding the best parts of an offensive system that helped us become National Champions last year. I am looking forward to working with a great staff of offensive coaches, as well as proven winners such as John Makie, Darryl Conrad, Matt Henry, and Terry Firr.”

In the seven seasons Mitchell has been a Coordinator, the Bisons have amassed a 46-9-1-1, regular season record, including three unbeaten regular seasons, a Vanier Cup appearance, and a Vanier Cup National Championship.

Dobie commented, “I am happy that Vaughan will step back into a familiar role and expect he will continue our success on the offensive side of the ball for many years to come.”

Prior to the Bisons, Mitchell coached with former Winnipeg Rifles Head Coach and current Bison Defensive Line Coach Mike Watson plus current Bison Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach Stan Pierre at Sturgeon Creek Collegiate, where Mitchell was the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks, and offensive line coach between 1994-1996. In his tenure, the team went from zero wins to five wins and reached the final four of the Winnipeg High School Football League.

Mitchell also spent several off-seasons coaching with the under-19 Provincial Team, participating as a coach in the 1996, 1997, 1999, and 2000 Canada Cup.

Mitchell also played five football seasons with the Bisons between 1989-1993. A four-year starter along the Offensive Line, Mitchell's career included a Canada West Final appearance in 1991.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Manitoba in 1994, and graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree in 2003.

Mitchell currently works in Federal-Provincial Relations with the Government of Manitoba.