New flight from Clemson due to touchdown in Charlottesville this afternoon: Have Elliott and UVA worked out ‘snags?’

By Jerry Ratcliffe

There is a flight scheduled from the airport near Clemson to Charlottesville this afternoon, scheduled to land at CHO at approximately 4:41 p.m.

Perhaps Tony Elliott left his phone charger at the Boar’s Head Inn?

Elliott, who is Clemson’s offensive coordinator, and his family flew to Charlottesville earlier this week, met with Virginia athletics director Carla Williams for a second interview concerning the head football coaching job, then returned home, noting there was a “snag” in the negotiations.

Apparently Williams offered him the job, because upon returning to Clemson he told reporters that the decision whether to take the Virginia job was “his decision.” He said he would decide Friday morning whether he will accept UVA’s offer, move on to Duke’s coaching search (where he was also interviewed) or remain at Clemson.

In somewhat related news, UVA’s Board of Visitors approved the athletic department’s request for $10.3 million from the special gift fund to go toward the department’s Master Plan, particularly a new football center. Bronco Mendenhall, who stepped down as the Cavaliers’ head football coach last week, had pleaded with the school to upgrade facilities, noting that Virginia had the worst football facilities in the entire ACC.

Such a gift would clear the way (along with some previous financial commitments, including $500,000 from Mendenhall) to put shovels in the ground and begin construction of the $65 million football program home.

UVA has lost 4-star commitment Andrew Gentry from Columbine High School in Littleton, Col., who committed to the Cavaliers before going on mission for his church. The massive offensive tackle signed in 2020. Gentry has now committed to Michigan.

Several Cavaliers have entered the transfer portal over the past week, and two more entered today: wide receiver Zack Kindel and defensive lineman Nusi Malani. Previously, linebacker Noah Taylor, center Olu Oluwatimi (a Remington Award finalist), and left offensive tackle Bobby Haskins were in the portal along with reserve quarterbacks Jacob Rodgriguez and Ira Armstead. Armstead has already committed to Eastern Illinois University.