NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has named Tyrone Mitchell head coach of the Gold Rush men's basketball program, elevating the longtime Xavier coach after more than a decade of helping build one of the NAIA's most consistent programs.

Mitchell, who served as co-head coach alongside Alfred "AJ" Williams during the 2025–26 season, enters his 12th season at Xavier and assumes leadership of a program to which he has devoted much of his professional coaching career.

"Coach Mitchell has earned this opportunity through his commitment to our student-athletes, his knowledge of the game, his ability to recruit and develop young men, and, most importantly, the consistency with which he has represented Xavier," said Curtis Wright, Xavier University of Louisiana Vice President for Student Affairs. "For more than a decade, Tyrone has helped shape the culture and competitive success of Gold Rush basketball. He understands who we are, what we expect and what it means to represent Xavier University of Louisiana."

Mitchell said the opportunity to lead the program represents the culmination of an 11-year journey at Xavier.

"I am truly honored and humbled to be named the head coach of Xavier University of Louisiana," Mitchell said. "For the past 11 years, I have had the privilege of serving this program in several roles, from assistant coach to associate head coach and co-head coach, and every step of this journey has prepared me for this moment.

"Xavier means so much to me, and I am grateful for the trust that has been placed in me to lead this program. I have grown alongside so many student-athletes, coaches, alumni and members of the Xavier community, and I am excited for the opportunity to build upon the foundation we have established.

"This is more than a new title for me — it is a responsibility I embrace with great pride. My goal is to continue developing our student-athletes on and off the court, compete at a high level, represent

Xavier with excellence, and build a program that our university and our community can be proud of. I'm excited about what's ahead, and I'm ready to get to work. This is Xavier's time, and I'm honored to lead the way."

Executive Director of University Athletics and Recreation Pat Kendrick said Mitchell's experience within the program and longstanding commitment to Xavier's student-athletes position him well to lead the Gold Rush.

"We are pleased to have Coach Mitchell leading our men's basketball program," Kendrick said. "Since joining Xavier in 2015, he has demonstrated tremendous dedication to the success and development of our student-athletes. We look forward to Coach Mitchell drawing upon his years of experience as he leads the program forward and continues the strong tradition of Xavier basketball."
Mitchell joined the Xavier staff in 2015 and was promoted to associate head coach in 2018 before being elevated to co-head coach in 2025.

During his tenure, Mitchell has helped the Gold Rush compile 182 victories with a .679 winning percentage, including six 20-win seasons. Xavier captured three conference tournament championships — in 2020, 2021 and 2023 — and recorded first-round victories at the NAIA National Championship Tournament in three consecutive seasons, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

"While we are proud of what this program has accomplished, this appointment is also about where we believe Xavier basketball can go next,"  Wright said. "Our expectation is that we compete for championships, graduate our student-athletes, develop young men of character and create a basketball program that our students, alumni and the city of New Orleans are excited to support. Coach Mitchell shares that vision, and I am confident in his ability to lead us into this next chapter."

A native of New Iberia, Louisiana, Mitchell was a standout point guard at Northwestern State University from 2002–06. He remains the Demons' career leader with 264 steals and ranks among the program's all-time leaders with 509 assists. Mitchell was a member of Northwestern State's celebrated 2005–06 team that captured Southland Conference regular-season and tournament championships before defeating third-seeded Iowa in the opening round of the 2006 NCAA Tournament.

Following his collegiate career, Mitchell played professionally in Europe for seven years before beginning his coaching career. His accomplishments as a student-athlete earned him induction into the Northwestern State N-Club Hall of Fame in 2025.

Prepared to Win

Mitchell's approach to leadership is grounded in preparation, discipline and the daily work required to build a championship program. One of the coaching principles that has stayed with him throughout his career comes from legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight:

"The key is not the will to win — everyone has that. It is the will to prepare to win that is important."

For Mitchell, that preparation extends beyond the basketball court. His vision for Gold Rush basketball emphasizes academic achievement, personal development, accountability and preparing student-athletes to succeed long after their playing careers have ended.

"For Coach Mitchell, this is not about starting over," Wright said. "It is about building upon a strong foundation, honoring the people who helped establish it and continuing to raise the standard. We believe the future of Gold Rush basketball is bright."

Mitchell is married to Ajia Mitchell, Director of Recreation Centers for NORD. Together, they are the proud parents of their daughters, Taylor and Tatum.
As he begins his first season as head coach, Mitchell will lead the Gold Rush into a new era of Xavier basketball — one grounded in preparation, excellence and a commitment to developing champions on and off the court.

A new chapter. The same mission.

Building champions. Developing men.