Orlando Mitjans Jr. was hired as Thomas University's first-ever Football Head Coach on January 25, 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience. In addition to head coaching responsibilities, Mitjans also serves as the defensive backs coach.
Mitjans comes to TU from The Citadel where he served as the secondary coach for six years. Under the Brooklyn, N.Y. native, the Bulldog corners registered 17 pass break-ups and a pair of interceptions. One of the top proteges under Mitjans was cornerback Dee Delaney, who went on to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars. During his All-American season in 2016, Delaney recorded six interceptions and added eight pass break-ups. The six interceptions were 10th nationally and the third-most in Citadel history. He twice picked off two passes in a game, including interceptions on back-to-back plays in the second round of the FCS playoffs. In 2016, the Bulldogs ranked seventh in FCS in pass defense and eighth in total defense, improving by more than 50 yards from the previous season.
Coach Mitjans also has completed the NCAA Expert Coaching Academy and participated in NFL internships with the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Rams and the New York Jets . In 2016, the Bulldogs ranked seventh in FCS in pass defense and eighth in total defense, improving by more than 50 yards from the previous season.
Prior to The Citadel, Mitjans spent two years at Army West Point. During his first season at Army, Mitjans tutored a unit that collected seven interceptions. He coached Josh Jenkins, who was selected to three postseason all-star teams following a tremendous sophomore season that included a team-best four interceptions and eight pass breakups.
Prior to arriving at West Point, Mitjans spent four seasons coaching the cornerbacks at Georgia Southern. While he was in Statesboro, the Eagles advanced to three straight NCAA FCS Playoff semifinals. In 2010, Mitjans helped the Eagles rank second in the SoCon and 11th in FCS in pass defense by allowing an average of 159.9 yards per game through the air. He helped mold Laron Scott into a two-time All-American and two-time All-Southern Conference selection. Scott was a free agent signee of the New Orleans Saints. Mitjans also helped Lavelle Westbrook to second-team all-conference honors and an invitation to the Senior Bowl.
Mitjans’ time in Statesboro was preceded by his second of two stints at Tennessee State. The Tigers had one of the best defenses in the Ohio Valley Conference, anchored by cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who went on to be the 16th pick in the 2008 NFL Draft.
Before Tennessee State, Mitjans spent two seasons as the secondary coach at Eastern Kentucky where he helped produce five all-conference players and one All-American. The secondary in 2007 intercepted 24 passes and had the top defense in the conference. The group featured three all-conference picks, including OVC Defensive Player of the Year and All-America Derrick Huff. Additionally, Antwaun Molden played in the Senior Bowl before spending time with the Houston Texans, New England Patriots and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Prior to EKU, Mitjans spent five years coaching at Towson, serving as the defensive coordinator in 2004 after coaching the secondary from 2001-03 and the running backs in 2000. The Tigers led the league with 21 interceptions in 2003, returning four for touchdowns.
He also served as the secondary coach at Kent State in 1995 and C.W. Post in 1996 before moving to Morgan State in 1997. After the Bears defense forced 28 takeovers in 1998, Mitjans was promoted to defensive coordinator in 1999.
Mitjans began his coaching career as a student assistant at Northeastern. He also coached the secondary at Cheyney University from 1992-94.
Mitjans has worked with three teams through the NFL’s minority internship program. His first opportunity was with the New York Jets in 1994. He worked with the St. Louis Rams in 1999 and 2000 and the Kansas City Chiefs in 2001. In 2006, he was one of 20 coaches across the country selected to attend the NCAA Expert Coaching Academy to prepare individuals for head coaching roles.
Mitjans began his collegiate career playing safety at Arkansas for head coach Lou Holtz and position coach Pete Carroll from 1978-80 before transferring to Northeastern and playing two seasons for the Huskies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in leadership from Northeastern in 1982.
Mitjans is married to the former Claire Simmons, and resides in Thomasville, Ga..
