Virginia Football Coach Tony Elliott Signs Contract Extension

The Cavaliers rewarded Elliott after an 11-win season in 2025.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp planes of navy blue, burnt orange, and forest green overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-angled visual representation of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the University of Virginia's football team in action, reflecting the program's renewed energy and momentum under head coach Tony Elliott.University of Virginia Today

The University of Virginia has signed head football coach Tony Elliott to a contract extension through the 2030 season. Elliott led the Cavaliers to an 11-3 record in 2025, including a victory over Missouri in the Gator Bowl, after the team had struggled in his first three seasons.

Why it matters

Elliott's contract extension demonstrates Virginia's commitment to building a successful football program under his leadership. After a challenging start, Elliott was able to turn the team around and deliver a standout season, earning him this long-term deal.

The details

In his fourth season as Virginia's head coach, Elliott guided the Cavaliers to an 11-3 record in 2025, capped by a win over Missouri in the Gator Bowl. This marked a significant improvement from his first three years, when the team finished below .500 each season.

  • Elliott was hired as Virginia's head coach in 2022.
  • The Cavaliers went 11-3 in the 2025 season.
  • Elliott's new contract extension runs through the 2030 season.

The players

Tony Elliott

The head football coach of the University of Virginia, who has now been rewarded with a contract extension after leading the Cavaliers to an 11-win season in 2025.

Carla Williams

The athletics director at the University of Virginia, who praised Elliott's commitment to the program and vision for building a successful team.

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What they’re saying

“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, Athletics Director, University of Virginia

What’s next

The Cavaliers will look to build on their successful 2025 campaign and continue to improve under Elliott's leadership in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

Tony Elliott's contract extension demonstrates Virginia's faith in his ability to turn the football program around and establish the Cavaliers as a consistent winner in the ACC. After a challenging start, Elliott has proven he can deliver winning seasons and lead the team to bowl game victories.