[SFREDSKIN]

Stump is officially gone.

Mitchell takes Southern University job

Running backs coach Stump Mitchell said today that he plans to leave the Redskins and accept the head coaching position at Southern University in Baton Rouge, La.

"I had an opportunity to meet with Coach [Mike] Shanahan [Sunday] and talk to him today. I'm confident that Bruce Allen and Coach Shanahan are going to make a great combination," Mitchell said in a phone conversation this afternoon. "I'm confident the Washington Redskins are in great hands, and I would've enjoyed joining them. But I have an opportunity at Southern. I'm going to take the job at Southern."

Mitchell, one of just a handful of coaches that Jim Zorn hired for his staff, said he was likely to leave the Washington area today and could be introduced as soon as Wednesday as Southern's next coach. Southern offered Mitchell the position Dec. 31.

Mitchell had only kind words to say about Shanahan and said he could've waited to find out how Shanahan plans to build his coaching staff, "but Southern can't wait."

"I'm a football coach, and I just want to help my players get better," Mitchell said. "I've had a great experience with the Redskins, had a great experience with the guys I coach. And I wish everyone here just the best."