Penn State coordinator Anthony Poindexter comments on Virginia opening

Former All-American defensive back and current Penn State co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter was linked with a return to his alma mater with Virginia’s head coach opening. However, the latest reports suggest Virginia has opted to shift in another direction.

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg revealed the first Anthony Poindexter comment on the Virginia opening, which he received on Wednesday.

“Timing is everything for both sides,” Poindexter texted Rittenberg. “There will be a day, but I’m going to stay at Penn State.”

Rittenberg previously reported Sunday night that Virginia athletic director Carla Williams and Poindexter were meeting in Las Vegas on Monday to discuss the job.

The Penn State co-defensive coordinator was in Vegas to receive his induction to the College Football Hall of Fame for his playing days in Charlottesville. Poindexter was a two-time first-team All-American as a safety in 1997 and 1998. After his time with the Cavaliers, he went in the seventh round of the NFL Draft to the Baltimore Ravens where he played two seasons and won a Super Bowl.

After the NFL, Poindexter went into coaching at his alma mater. He moved up the ranks with Virginia football from graduate assistant to running backs coach, special teams coordinator and then finally safeties coach.

Anthony Poindexter got his first job as a defensive coordinator at UConn in 2014, staying for three seasons. After UConn, Poindexter took over the defense for the Purdue Boilermakers. James Franklin hired Poindexter as co-defensive coordinator in February of 2021.

Lead Virginia candidate emerges

As Virginia looks for their next leader, the Cavaliers are turning their attention towards a coveted ACC assistant. According to reports, the program is attempting to woo Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.

“It now sounds like Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott is back in as a candidate for the Virginia coaching job,” tweeted Mike Barber of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “Former Hoo Anthony Poindexter appeared to be the guy just 24 hours ago. My advice? Stay tuned and buckle up.”

Furthermore, Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde revealed that Elliott is the apple of Virginia’s eye.

“Sources: Virginia has returned its focus to Tony Elliott and the Clemson assistant would prefer that to interest from Duke,” tweeted Forde. “Nothing done, but this could accelerate today.”

Recently, Elliott has catapulted to one of the top choices for the vacancy at Duke. However, it’s telling that the Clemson offensive coordinator would prefer Virginia to the Blue Devils.

Time will tell where Tony Elliott ends up. However, it’s evident that the mind behind Clemson’s offense is a coveted one throughout the entire nation.