Virginia has hired away BYU head coach Bronco Mendenhall to serve in the same role, the school announced Friday.
He is still expected to coach in BYU's bowl game.
Mendenhall, who has been at the Cougers' helm since 2003, reached an initial five-year deal with the Cavaliers, starting at $3.25 million per year. He replaces Mike London, who resigned on Nov. 26 after six seasons on the job.
"Bronco Mendenhall’s teams have consistently won at a high level and he’s demonstrated the ability to create a strategic vision to build a program and then implement his plan to be successful," athletic director Craig Littlepage said. “His emphasis on the overall development of student-athletes and a commitment to academic achievement is in line with our goals of Uncompromised Excellence.
"We’re excited to begin a new era of Virginia football and support Bronco and his staff."
In the three seasons that preceded Mendenhall taking over the Cougars' program, BYU compiled an overall record of 14-21.
Over the last 11 years, though, the Cougars are one of only 11 programs to advance to a bowl game each season, including this year. Of those 11 schools, only Florida State has more bowl wins.
"BYU has played the pivotal role in my professional and personal life and I will be forever indebted to the outstanding young men and exceptional people I have had the opportunity to work with at BYU," Mendenhall said in a statement. "My success at BYU was possible because these great people chose the phenomenal, unique, and faith-based experience available at BYU."
