Lawrence Technological University has named a new coach for its newly formed varsity football team.

Defensive coordinator Avante Mitchell, 40, was promoted to head coach, replacing Jeff Duvendeck, who parted ways with the program after going 1-9 last year in the Southfield-based university's first full football season in 70 years.

Mitchell was made interim head coach of the Blue Devils on Dec. 5.

Duvendeck was hired in 2017 to reboot the football program. Last season, the university joined the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics' Mid-States Football Association.

"The Blue Devils would like to thank Jeff for his work in rebooting the program and thank him for his dedication to Lawrence Tech over the last three years," Dean of Students Kevin Finn said in a news release when the transition happened.

Mitchell's promotion to full-time head coach is effective immediately, according to a Tuesday news release.

He has 18 years of experience coaching football, joining the Lawrence Tech program last year to run defense and recruiting. Prior to that, he worked for three years on the football staff at Northwood University in Midland. He played NCAA Division I at University of Louisville and Division II at Wayne State University.

Along with the reboot of its program, the university has invested $2 million into its stadium, which features seating for 2,300 and a new 88,000-square-foot synthetic grass field and lighting.

Also planned at the venue is a two-story team building that houses training rooms, coach offices and locker rooms, Crain's reported in April. A permanent press box and concession stands are also in the works.

Lawrence Tech's decision to relaunch a football program after 70 years is part of its business strategy to remold itself into a traditional residential college.