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Virginia coaching search stumbles again as new candidate emerges

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•12/09/21•

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Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images.

Just when Virginia appeared to be closing in on hiring a coach, things are getting bumpy — and a new candidate has entered the conversation.

The Cavaliers have been in negotiations to hire Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott, but contract talks have stalled, On3’s Matt Zenitz has learned. Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis could also be in the mix as Virginia works to replace Bronco Mendenhall.

Elliott has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Mendenhall, who announced last week that he’ll resign after Virginia’s bowl game. He has been at Clemson since 2011, starting as running backs coach before moving up to co-offensive coordinator in 2015 and, eventually, offensive coordinator in 2020.

Gattis, this year’s Broyles Award winner, has been Michigan’s co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach since 2019 after holding the same position at Alabama in 2018. This year, the Wolverines have a top-10 rushing offense, averaging 223.9 yards per game on the ground. Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum have proven to be quite a two-headed monster for Michigan, combining for 185.6 rush yards per game.

Last week, Mendenhall announced Virginia’s bowl game will be his last in Charlottesville. He has a 135-81 record in his five years with the Cavaliers.

Virginia is 6-6 this season, putting the Cavaliers in a bowl game for the fourth time in five years. They’ll take on SMU in the Fenway Bowl on Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. ET on ESPN.

Virginia coaching search takes a detour toward coveted ACC assistant

As Virginia looks for its next leader, the Cavaliers are turning their attention toward 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.