Dec. 6, 1999

COLUMBIA, MO. ___ -- David Mitchell, running backs coach at the University of Missouri for the past three seasons, has been released from the football coaching staff by head football coach Larry Smith.

Smith now has two vacancies to fill on his coaching staff, following Thursday's resignation by former offensive coordinator Jerry Berndt. Smith said in filling the positions he will reorganize the duties of the offensive staff to fit the experience of those identified.

Mitchell came to MU in 1997 from the University of Arkansas. He's also coached at Arkansas State, his alma mater, and Syracuse.