COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS

Virginia to retain London in 2015

The Sports Xchange

November 26, 2014 at 4:02 pm.

Mike London will be back at Virginia in 2015. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

Virginia coach Mike London will go into the final game of the regular season knowing his job is secure for another year.

Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage quelled speculation that London’s future might be in jeopardy by announcing Wednesday that he will return next season.

The Cavaliers have improved from two wins in 2013 to five victories this year and would become bowl eligible by beating Virginia Tech on Saturday. London has a 23-37 record near the end of his sixth season at the school.

“It was important to see improvement in our football program this season,” Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage said. “I’ve seen signs of progress in many areas. Through the staff changes made over the last two years, we are better at teaching the game and in the overall development of the student-athletes. We also continue to notice the commitment by this group of coaches and student-athletes to their academic and community responsibilities.

“The staff has refocused its recruiting efforts to emphasize the need to attract student-athletes capable of helping the program compete at a high level in the expanded Atlantic Coast Conference. We are seeing many of these student-athletes on the field right now and the staff continues to have success on the recruiting trail. We will continue to support the program in their efforts to maximize their recruiting success.

“It’s important for each of our sports programs to continue to show progress and follow a plan to compete for conference championships and in postseason competition to support the department’s goals. I trust the plan Mike has in place and believe his leadership provides the best opportunity for Virginia football to be successful in the future.”

London’s best season came in 2011 when the Cavaliers posted an 8-4 regular-season record and played in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl. Virginia slipped to 4-8 in 2012 and 4-8 in 2013.

ALL  |  NFL  |  College Football  |  MLB  |  NBA