Tony Elliott considered becoming a head coach long before the Virginia job suddenly opened in December. So when UVA offered and he accepted the job in December, he already had an idea for how he wanted to shape a program.

Elliott envisioned things like coaches he might like to work with, the style of offense, a versatile defense, and what types of schools would support a complete student-athlete. Virginia fit what he was looking for and fans have seen the first pieces of the rest over the first six months of his tenure.

Elliott brought in coaches that are a blend of previous relationships, experienced backgrounds, and Cavalier connections. The Hoos started the installation process for a pro-style offense with run-pass balance and a multiple 3-4 defense that shifts through hybrid positions. He also put his own distinct stamp on the team’s guiding principle: the model program. The message to the players is to build a model home, you have to go through phases of foundation, construction, and completion.

Getting all of those things in place consumed the early days of the tenure, which is true for any head coach. Elliott now has arrived at a more quiet time, though. Yes, there are things like recruiting and the donor greeting rounds in the spring, but this is still a slower time of year. It’s sort of the calm before storm moment. Spring practice is done. Summer workouts haven’t begun. The season is still three months away.

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