Mitch Jordan (’90) has been appointed athletic director at Darlington School, effective July 1, announced Head of School Brent Bell today. Jordan has more than two decades of experience in independent school education and athletics, serving most recently as athletic director at Mount Paran Christian School.
“Mitch’s experience, track record of success, and commitment to student-athletes stood out in a national search process filled with excellent candidates,” said Bell. “The fact that he is one of ours makes this announcement that much more exciting!”
As an alum, Jordan is no stranger to Darlington, having also taught and coached at the school from 2002 to 2008. During this time, he was an assistant head football coach, head varsity track coach and physical education teacher. He served as head strength and conditioning coach for all sports programs, and implemented personal fitness curriculum for freshmen and sophomores. He also taught Middle School American History and Mathematics for four years.
“In 2002, Darlington gave me the incredible opportunity to transition from the business world into teaching and coaching,” said Jordan. “I am deeply grateful to Jerry Sharp, Jim Van Es, Tommy Atha, and many others who guided me and helped me grow as a teacher, coach, and person. Their mentorship and influence laid the foundation for my leadership philosophy. I am excited to combine that core philosophy with the experience I’ve gained over the past 17 years at Mount Paran and rejoin the Darlington Community to make a positive impact.”
Jordan left Darlington in 2008 for Mount Paran, where he has served as athletic director for 17 years, managing the day-to-day operations of 18 varsity sports and 66 total teams. The school has received numerous athletic accolades under his leadership, including being named back-to-back Directors Cup Champions for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. They have finished in the top five of the Directors Cup for the past five years. Jordan was named Region 6A Athletic Director of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
During his tenure at Mount Paran, Jordan has also served on the Executive Council, Campus Master Planning Committee and Strategic Compensation Committee. For the first 14 years of his time there, he also served as head football coach and is credited with starting the school’s varsity football program in 2008. Under his leadership, the team advanced to the GHSA state playoffs 11 out of 12 seasons and won a state championship in 2014. He was named Georgia Athletics Coaches Association State Coach of the Year in 2014.
“Mitch Jordan has been a name to know since I arrived in Georgia 11 years ago,” said Bell. “He has been an instrumental part of the growth of Mount Paran as a school and their athletic department, in particular, while being a strong voice in matters related to GHSA. Most importantly, in every interaction I have ever had with him, he demonstrates interest and care for all around him. Mitch is a collaborator, and I cannot wait to see his work with our student-athletes and coaches.”
Jordan holds a B.S. in Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was a member of the 1990 National Championship football team. He completed additional graduate studies at Georgia Tech and served as a graduate assistant football coach there from 1994 to 1996. Prior to joining the field of education, Jordan earned his CPA and worked in finance for four years. In 2021, he earned his M.A. in Educational Leadership from Gordon College. He is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and an EXOS Performance Specialist.
He and his wife, Neysa, have three children, Mallory, Claire, and Riley.
“Darlington benefited tremendously in this search from the work of our hiring consultant, The Finney Group, and from the time and dedication of our Search Committee, comprised of school administrators Chad Woods, Natalie Ferguson, and Matt Peer; teachers and coaches Andrea Frazier and Patrick Collier (’08); and parents Kathy Piller, Tashia Twyman, Derek Taylor, and Phillip Pilgrim,” said Bell. “I am grateful for each one's commitment and care in the process. I am very excited about the future of athletics at Darlington, and look forward to introducing our school community to Mitch and his family this spring!”
Jordan is excited as well.
“I am excited to rejoin the Darlington Community and collaborate with the leadership team, coaches, teachers, and, most importantly, the students,” he said. “My goal is to help foster a culture of excellence that empowers every student to thrive in all aspects of their lives.”
