Richmond’s London to coach Virginia

Published 10:10 am Monday, December 7, 2009

RICHMOND, Va. — The University of Virginia has hired Richmond’s Mike London as its new head football coach.

London replaces Al Groh, who was fired a week ago.

Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage says in a press release that London’s experience and variety of coaching assignments position him for success with the Cavaliers.

London agreed to a five-year deal, in which he’ll be paid $1.7 million annually.

He spent six years as an assistant at Virginia, serving as defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator from 2001-04, and as defensive coordinator in 2006 and 2007. In between, he was the defensive line coach for the NFL’s Houston Texans in 2005.