Sports

Virginia athletic director announces that football coach Mike London will return next season

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Virginia head coach Mike London, right, hugs Virginia running back Khalek Shepherd (23) after a touchdown during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. Virginia won the game 30-13. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

Virginia head coach Mike London, right, reacts to a touchdown by Virginia running back Khalek Shepherd (23) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Miami in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014. Virginia won the game 30-13. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (The Associated Press)

Mike London will return as Virginia's football coach next season.

Athletic director Craig Littlepage made the announcement Wednesday. He says improvement on the field and continued success on the recruiting trail were key factors in deciding to bring London back.

London has two years remaining on his contract.

Littlepage's announcement ends questions about whether the Cavaliers (5-6, 3-4 Atlantic Coast Conference) would be playing for London's future at rival Virginia Tech on Friday night.

The Hokies (5-6, 2-5) have won 10 straight meetings in the series, and the winner will become bowl eligble and the loser's season will end. The Cavaliers haven't been to a bowl game since after the 2011 season; the Hokies have been to bowls 21 consecutive seasons, the second-longest streak nationally.