UVa extends London’s contract, increases salary
ATLANTA — On a day when his contract was extended for two years and his salary was increased by $400,000, Virginia football coach Mike London had other things on his mind Friday.
“That’s something that’s happening, that’s going to go down,” said London at a noon news conference leading up to tonight’s Chick-fil-A Bowl match-up with Auburn.
“I’m all happy about it and for it, [but] at this time, my focus is on the game.”
London is in the second year of a five-year pact that was paying him $1.7 million per year. His new contract runs through 2016 and will pay him $2.1 million per year.
It also includes an undisclosed “longevity” bonus that he will receive if he’s still the coach Jan. 15, 2015.
In addition, members of London’s staff will receive raises.
“Mike London and his staff are a great fit for the University of Virginia,” Virginia athletic director Craig Littlepage said in a prepared statement.
“Commitment and continuity on the staff are major components of building a program. We want to keep the program’s momentum moving and this extension will help achieve that.”
London was named ACC coach of the year after taking the Cavaliers to eight victories after three consecutive losing seasons.
— Doug Doughty
December 30, 2011 - 7:12 PM
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Hey doug – what’s up with greer ?
Extend his contract AND give him a 400k raise?!? Really??? He just got outclassed and outcoached by Gene Chizik… Hey Mike, kick the FG, hey Mike, take the penalty and push them back 5 when theyre at your 5, prepare your special teams. Hey UVA fans, your future isn’t as bright as you thought it was.
Hurt in practices leading up to bowl game. Warmed up, holding open the possibility he would play, but couldn’t go. Wish Virginia would — or could — have provided more background to the injuries to Greer and Minnifield. Particularly in Minnifield’s case, it leads to all kind of speculation about him protecting himself for the NFL Draft. Of course, there is a privacy issue with injuries so I’m not pointing fingers at anybody.
I’d be careful about using the term “outclassed.” Mike London is a genuine, classy guy. Special teams were a mess. I’d agree with that. Call I questioned was going for a first down on fourth-and-12 at the Auburn 35 in the third quarter. I think it was still a two-score game at that point. Of course, by then, the punting game was a shambles.
I’ll take 4-8 to 8-5 the following year. UVA moved the ball well on offense and they clearly need some more speed on defense. Help is on the way though. Special teams were a mess and need to be addressed. Really special teams has been a problem much of the year.
Then there’s no problem with saying London just got out coached?