Report: Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott now top candidate for Virginia job
Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott is the leading candidate to be the next head coach at Virginia, according to a report.
Thats’s per the Action Network’s Brett McMurphy, who says Elliott will interview with the Cavaliers in person on Wednesday.
Clemson OC Tony Elliott is leading candidate for Virginia job but tells @LarryWilliamsTI “deal is not done.” Elliott will have 1st in-person interview w/Virginia officials today, @LarryWilliamsTI reports
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 8, 2021
Elliott has been a strong candidate throughout this process, but has been elevated after talks ended between the Cavaliers and Penn State co-defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter.
He’s been at Clemson in an assistant role since 2011, serving as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator or co-offensive coordinator since 2015. Elliott also played for Clemson from 2000-03.
Elliott would be replacing coach Bronco Mendenhall, who surprisingly stepped down last week. He led Virginia to four bowl game appearances in six seasons.
The timing isn’t perfect for Clemson, as it has already lost longtime defensive coordinator Brent Venables to Oklahoma in this coaching carousel. Both coordinators had been mainstays within the program for a decade and were key contributors in Clemson’s two National Championship runs.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney will now likely have to make two crucial hires this offseason. With the Early Signing Period fast-approaching, a decision could come sooner rather than later.