In a shocking move Sunday morning, coach Mike London announced the departure of associate head coach and defensive coordinator Jim Reid, defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Jeff Hanson, running backs coach Mike Faragalli and tight ends coach Shawn Moore.
Special teams coordinator and safeties coach Anthony Poindexter will remain on staff but no longer handle special teams’ duties.
The statement arrived just one day after news surfaced that junior quarterback Michael Rocco has received an official release from the school and will transfer after this semester.
“After conducting a complete evaluation of the program and discussing my thoughts with administration, there are a number of areas we need to improve on and it starts with me as the head coach.” London said in a statement. “The decision to release these four coaches is very difficult, but one I feel is necessary in order to meet the goals we have set for the Virginia football program.”
All four fired coaches have coached on London’s staff since he accepted the Virginia head coaching position in December 2009. Hanson and Faragalli worked under London during the 2008 and 2009 seasons at Richmond, and London actually coached under Reid at Richmond during the 1995 and 1996 seasons.
The changes significantly affect all three units for Virginia, with London indicating a desire for across-the-board improvement as his primary impetus for the firings.
“My primary task is to continue to evaluate this program and take the necessary steps to make us successful on the field,” London said. “This University and its fans deserve a program that competes for championships. In order to do that we need to make improvements in every aspect of our football operation.”
The search to fill each vacated position will commence immediately, according to the press release. London said he does not plan to comment on the matter until the search is completed.
Cavalier Daily staff are still seeking comments from the Virginia football coaches. Poindexter declined to comment, at least until “everything dies down.”
The total buyout for the coaches totals $1.36 million and will be paid in equal monthly installments until the conclusions of their respective contracts, pending any future coaching jobs the four decide to pursue.
The Athletics Department, which does not receive state funding, will foot the money.
-compiled by Fritz Metzinger
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