Avante Mitchell

Avante Mitchell is heading into his second season as Head Coach of the Olivet Nazarene University Football Program.

Education:

• Northwood University (MI) - Bachelor of Business Administration/Management (2019)

Professional Experience:

• Olivet Nazarene University (IL) - Head Football Coach (2024 - Present)
• Lawrence Technological University (MI) - Head Football Coach (2020 - 2023)
• Lawrence Technological University (MI) - Interim Head Football Coach, Defensive Coordinator (2019)
• Northwood University (MI) - Defensive Backs Coach (2016 - 2018)
• Taylor University (IN) - Defensive Coordinator (2013 - 2015)
• Concordia University Ann Arbor (MI) - Interim Head Coach, Defensive Line, Defensive Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator (2011 - 2012)

Awards and Recognitions:As a Coach:

• Lawrence Technological University (2019 - 2023)
  • Ranked 1st in conference for punt return average
  • Ranked 2nd in conference for punt return yards per game
  • Ranked 5th in conference for kickoff return average
• Northwood University (2016 - 2018)
  • 6 All-Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference honors players
• Taylor University (2013 - 2015)
  • Ranked among national leaders in NAIA in sacks, rush defense, and defensive turnovers
    • Led team to Top 25 rankings in NAIA in all major defensive categories
    • Scoring 21.9 points per game
    • Total defense: 332.5 yards per game
    • Rush defense: 119.8 yards per game
    • Sacks: 36 total (3.6 per game)
    • Defensive turnovers: 25 total, 19 INTs, and 6 FR

ONU Career Record:

Coaching Philosophy:

• To honor Christ with the mantle of leadership he’s placed upon me through the vehicle of football. It’s my duty to raise up servant leaders while building great men, ambassadors for ONU, and champions on and off the field. It is my duty to use the parallels of football and life to assist the men in our program to become greater men than I am.

Personal Information:

• Avante and his wife, Ebony, have twin children, a son, Ahlon, who is majoring in law and legal studies at the United States Military Academy West Point while playing football, and a daughter, Ahvon, a 2024 B.A. Communication graduate from Liberty University who is currently obtaining an MBA at Liberty University whille running for the track and field team as a hurdler.