REPORTS: Virginia coaching search takes a detour toward coveted ACC assistant

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.

Tony Elliott: Another big blow for Clemson

If Tony Elliott and Virginia come to fruition, he would make the second Clemson coordinator to leave the program this offseason.

For just the third time since 1999, the Oklahoma Sooners officially have a new head football coach. Their official Twitter account welcomed Clemson defensive coordinator Brent Venables to Norman on Sunday.

Venables joined Bob Stoops’ staff in 1999 as the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. He won the national championship with the Sooners in 2000 and appeared in another two in 2003 and 2008. Oklahoma decided to move on from Venables in 2011, letting him go to Clemson to be with Dabo Swineey. Another two national championships are now under his belt (2016 and 2018).

“We’re looking forward to making another decade-plus of incredible memories as we transition to a new era of Oklahoma football, especially with the opportunity & the challenge to join the SEC, the premier conference in all of college football,” Venables said in a statement on Sunday.

Oklahoma is in need of a quick short-term repair, trying to finish strong with the 2022 recruiting class and preventing more entries into the transfer portal. Venables will have 10 days on the recruiting front, with a whole offseason to sell his vision to current Sooner players.

While Clemson fans will be happy for Tony Elliott and Brent Venables, bittersweet change is overtaking the Tigers program.