Citing continued improvement over the last few years, Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage put any speculation to rest by announcing today that Mike London would be returning for the 2015 season; but has not extended London's contract which ends at the end of the 2016 season.
Four of the Cavaliers' six losses this season have come by single digits, including back to back losses to Duke (by seven) and North Carolina (by one). A few weeks later against Florida State, they gave the defending national champs all they could handle before losing by two touchdowns. Needless to say, that 5-6 record could easily look a whole lot different.
In the release, Littlepage pointed out the efforts of London and his staff to get things back on the right track.
“It was important to see improvement in our football program this season. 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."
London's teams are 23-37 cumulatively in his five years leading the program, including a mark of 5-6 this season. This weekend against a struggling Virginia Tech team, London will have the opportunity to triple their win total from last season (2) and match their combined win total from 2012 and 2013 (6).
“The staff has re-focused 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.” Littlepage went on to explain.
In closing, Littlepage noted the confidence that he has in London and the direction of the program.
“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.”