Virginia Extends Football Coach Tony Elliott Through 2030 Season

Elliott led the Cavaliers to a school-record 11 wins and an ACC championship game appearance in 2025.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 5:05pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a college football game or match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, burnt orange, and white, capturing the dynamic energy and multiple perspectives of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the University of Virginia's football program, reflecting the team's recent rise to prominence under coach Tony Elliott's leadership.University of Virginia Today

The University of Virginia has agreed to a contract extension with head football coach Tony Elliott that will keep him at the helm through the 2030 season. Elliott, who was named ACC Coach of the Year in 2025, guided the Cavaliers to a school-record 11 wins last season and an appearance in the ACC championship game.

Why it matters

Elliott's extension represents a significant commitment from the university to the football program and provides stability and continuity as the Cavaliers look to build on their recent success. His ability to turn the program around after three tough seasons has impressed the administration and fan base.

The details

Under the terms of the new deal, financial details of which were not disclosed, Elliott will remain the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers football team through the 2030 season. In 2025, his third year as head coach, Elliott led the team to a school-record 11 wins and an appearance in the ACC championship game, earning him ACC Coach of the Year honors.

  • In 2025, Elliott's Cavaliers went 13-7 and made the ACC championship game.
  • On April 8, 2026, the University of Virginia announced Elliott's contract extension through the 2030 season.

The players

Tony Elliott

The 46-year-old head football coach of the University of Virginia Cavaliers, who has agreed to a contract extension through the 2030 season after leading the team to a school-record 11 wins and an ACC championship game appearance in 2025.

Carla Williams

The athletic director at the University of Virginia, who praised Elliott's commitment to the university's values and his vision for building the Cavaliers into a model program.

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What they’re saying

“The commitment to football at the University of Virginia is real and palpable throughout our building. I'm proud of the foundation that we have laid and excited for what we can do together in the years to come.”

— Tony Elliott, Head Football Coach, University of Virginia

“We are extremely fortunate to have Tony Elliott continue to lead our football program. His commitment to the values of the University of Virginia and his commitment to developing the whole person through football have been a blessing. His vision of building the model program has never wavered, despite extraordinary adversity. The future is bright for UVA Football and we're excited to continue this work together.”

— Carla Williams, Athletic Director, University of Virginia

What’s next

The University of Virginia will officially introduce Tony Elliott at a press conference on April 15, 2026, where he is expected to discuss his vision for the program and the goals he has set for the team over the next several seasons.

The takeaway

Tony Elliott's contract extension demonstrates the University of Virginia's strong commitment to building a successful and sustainable football program. After leading the Cavaliers to a breakthrough season in 2025, Elliott has earned the trust of the administration to continue developing the team and positioning them as a consistent contender in the ACC.