Mitchell played on the Gloucester basketball team while also working the night shift as a computer operator at a bank.
In Glassboro, New Jersey, Mitchell founded a clothing store, Mr. Fang's Athletic Attire, which expanded from one to three locations.
Additionally, Mitchell completed his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Thomas Edison State College in 1984.
[3] Mitchell earned his master's degree in adult and continuing education at Coppin State in 1994 while head coach.
He also led Coppin State to first place in the MEAC regular season standings ten times and four NCAA tournament appearances.
[1][3] In 1995, Mitchell turned down an offer to be head coach at FIU with a salary of $150,000, 90 percent higher than his current pay at Coppin State.