Al Groh Names Mike London Defensive Coordinator

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Jan. 16, 2006

Charlottesville, Va. – University of Virginia football coach Al Groh today announced the hiring of Mike London as the team’s defensive coordinator.

London returns to Charlottesville after spending the 2005 season as defensive line coach with the NFL’s Houston Texans. He was a member of Groh’s original staff at UVa from 2001-04, coaching the defensive line. He was also the program’s recruiting coordinator during his final three seasons.

“Mike was instrumental in setting the foundation of our program from the first day, and we are very excited to have him rejoin Cavalier football as our defensive coordinator,” said Groh. “He brings a set of standards and value system that will provide the right leadership for our defense. Mike’s knowledge and background of the state of Virginia and the high school programs is a big plus. And his year in the NFL with the Texans will provide some new ideas for us. Mike’s return is a win-win at all spots.”

During his first stint at UVa, London coached three linemen picked in the NFL draft–NT Monsanto Pope, DE Chris Canty and NT Andrew Hoffman. In addition, he coached DE Brennan Schmidt for three years. Schmidt, last year’s defensive captain, is UVa’s record holder with 51 career starts. Both Canty and Schmidt are in the top-five for tackles by a defensive lineman in school history.

As UVa’s recruiting coordinator, London helped the Cavaliers land three consecutive nationally-ranked recruiting classes.

A Hampton, Va., native, London graduated from the University of Richmond in 1983 where he was team captain and team MVP. He broke into the coaching ranks at his alma mater as outside linebackers coach from 1988-89. From there he moved to William & Mary for five seasons (1990-94) as the Tribe’s defensive line coach before moving to Boston College, where he coached from 1997-2000.