The Virginia football program did not plan to hire a new coach this offseason. When Bronco Mendenhall abruptly resigned in December, however, UVA selected Tony Elliott to take the helm.

Elliott accepted the offer to be a head coach for the first time. While no one can predict exactly how his tenure will go, it’s clear that the Hoos got someone with a steady hand on the wheel. In that sense, whether smooth sailing or rough seas await, it looks like they landed a captain that can navigate the waters.

For the first few months of his tenure through his first spring practice, the baseline for how Elliott operates has been established. He’s thorough, patient, and methodical.

That became evident in the first weeks on the job. Virginia announced his hire on Friday, Dec. 10. Even with signing day five days away on Dec. 15, he did not rush into coaching staff hires or announcements. He spent many mornings talking with Mendenhall as preparations for a bowl game remained underway with the old staff. He asked questions. He evaluated.

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