Virginia hires Tony Elliott as coach: Clemson loses offensive coordinator as Hoos replaces Bronco Mendenhall

Virginia Hired Clemson Offensive coordinator Tony Elliott is its next football coach, the university announced on Friday. Elliott replaces Bronco Mendenhall, who resigned last week after six seasons of hosting. Elliott, 42, has been with Clemson since 2011 and won the Broyles Award in 2017 as the nation’s top assistant coach.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the University of Virginia as we welcome coach Tony Elliott to the UVA football family,” Virginia athletic director Carla Williams said in a statement. “Coach Elliott is a winner, in every sense of the word… we aim to advance UVA football in a way that aligns with the university’s core mission and purpose. Coach Elliott understands. and take this great opportunity to do something really special at the University of Virginia.”

Elliott’s name has been connected with various head coaching opportunities in recent years, but former head of the wide collection Clemson has been very patient. When he takes over at Virginia, he will enter a steady program with modest expectations competing in the opposing division as Clemson in the ACC.

Notably, Virginia’s Board of Visitors just rubber-stamped a $10.3 million transfer from the university’s endowment to the sports department Friday to build a new football facility. The building is expected to cost $65 million and be 160,000 square feet, a significant investment in the program’s future as Hoos hands over the reins to the growing Elliott.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney must now replace both of his coordinators after his longtime defensive coordinator, Brent Venables, left to become head coach at Oklahoma. Clemson sporting director Dan Radakovich is also leaving the same position at Miami, which would make this an unprecedented upheaval for the Tigers under Swinney’s direction.

However, the Tigers can use a fresh start when it comes to attack, after placing 95th nationally for total fouls in the 2021 season. The unit’s lackluster performance will put both Elliott and Clemson is more divided.

Mendenhall led the Cavaliers to a 36-38 record in six seasons, including a 9-5 record and an appearance in the 2019 Orange Bowl. Virginia went 6-6 in 2021 after a strong season from the quarterback. Brennan Armstrong. The player throws 4,444 yards, 31 touches, and completes 65.3% of his passes.

Virginia will play in the Fenway Bowl with SMU on December 29. Mendenhall will resume bowling training before taking a break.