Clint Sintim Hiring Well Received By Virginia Football Fans, Alums

By: Chris Horne |
Photo courtesy of Virginia Athletics Media Relations

University of Virginia football head coach Bronco Mendenhall moved quickly in replacing departed defensive line coach Vic So’oto, announcing over the weekend the hiring of former UVA player and graduate assistant coach Clint Sintim to fill the role.

So’oto, who made the American Football Coaches Association’s 2020 list of 35 under 35, has the looks of a rising star in the coaching ranks because of his work in Charlottesville the past three seasons. Mendenhall believes he has hired another “rising star” coach in Sintim, who has coached linebackers and defensive ends under head coach Danny Rocco at Richmond (2015-16) and Delaware (2017-19) the past five seasons.

Delaware, which has compiled a 19-16 record under Rocco, has signed back-to-back top 10 recruiting classes according to FCS recruiting rankings compiled by HERO sports. Its 2020 haul is rated no. 3 in the nation among FCS programs.

“When we elevated Vic So’oto several years ago to be the defensive line coach, I thought he was a rising star,” Mendenhall said in this press release. “In naming Clint Sintim to that same position, I think we have identified another rising star in our profession and certainly someone who Virginia football fans are well-acquainted with. I love Clint’s passion for his alma mater and desire to want to match the goals and standards we have worked to establish at Virginia to teach and develop young men.”

Cavalier fans remember Sintim as a star outside linebacker in Charlottesville from 2005-2008. He is no. 2 on Virginia’s all-time sacks list and is no. 3 in career tackles for loss. The 2008 All ACC Second-Team selection served as the Cavaliers’ team captain his senior year.

Fans and alums expressed approval with Mendenhall’s latest coaching hire.

Reaction: Former Virginia Players, Including Current UVA Assistant Marques Hagans, Elton Brown, Eli Harold, Klinton “Buddy” Ruff (Nansemond River High School (Suffolk, VA) Defensive Coordinator), and John Maghamez

Reactions: UVA Fans

Other Notable Reactions: News Journal DelawareOnline.com Reporter Kevin Tresolini and Delaware DB D’Juan Moore

After a stellar UVA playing career, Sintim was drafted by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played in 24 games his first two seasons in New York before missing the 2011 campaign after tearing his ACL twice. He retired in 2013 and pursued coaching, earning his first college coaching stint at West Alabama (outside linebackers/special teams). Sintim served as a graduate assistant at Virginia under Mike London in 2014 before he was hired by Rocco in 2015.

In addition to his duties as a position coach, Sintim was Delaware’s Co-Special Teams Coordinator in 2019.

“Clint was rated a three-star recruit in high school, had an amazing college career, and was a second-round NFL draft selection,” Mendenhall said. “That shows me his determination to compete and succeed. He is an excellent communicator, a strong listener and relates and builds excellent relationships with his players and recruits. The positions he coached exhibited strong fundamentals and position mastery. He matched all of my selection principles.”

Of returning to his alma mater, Sintim said: “Virginia has a special place in my heart, and I am beyond humbled to come back to UVA to be a part of Coach Mendenhall’s staff. I have watched Coach and his staff take Virginia from a 2-10 record to competing in the Orange Bowl in only a few years. I am excited to play a role in helping this team continue to build and put Virginia on a national stage.”

Sintim’s return should be a boon to UVA’s in-state recruiting fortunes. The almost 34-year-old is a product of Gar-Field High School in Woodbridge, Virginia, giving Mendenhall a second full-time assistant who is also a Virginia native and Cavalier alum. Hampton native Marques Hagans, who serves as UVA’s Wide Receivers, has been on staff since Mendenhall was hired. UVA has another Woodbridge (VA) native, Donte Wilkins, on staff as a graduate assistant.