UR’s London gets contract extension through 2014

University of Richmond coach Mike London will welcome back 16 starters and both kick returners from last year's 13-3 team that won the Football Championship Subdivision title.

The University of Richmond today will announce that football coach Mike London has signed a contract extension.

London, 48, became the coach at UR in January and led the Spiders to the Football Championship Subdivision title in his first season as a head coach on any level. London, who grew up in Hampton and graduated from UR in 1983, signed a five-year contract when he became Richmond's coach. His contract now runs through the 2014 season.

Athletic Director Jim Miller said the two-year extension "clearly acknowledges the success that Mike has had here, both on the field and off the field. I believe he is a great fit for the University of Richmond. This makes the statement that we're happy with the direction of the program.

"I think it's a statement that we're both making, that he's happy in Richmond and we're happy with the job he's done at Richmond, and we want the relationship to continue for a long period of time."

Sixteen starters and both kickers return from a 13-3 team that finished third in the Colonial Athletic Association South Division, then won playoff games versus Eastern Kentucky and at Appalachian State and Northern Iowa before topping Montana 24-7 in Chattanooga, Tenn., for the national title. The Sporting News projects UR as the FCS' No. 1 team this season. Another high-quality year would undoubtedly make London attractive to Football Bowl Subdivision schools seeking coaches.

Miller chose not to comment on London's salary, but UR's pay scale for football coaches does not compare with those at well-established FBS schools. London's predecessor, Dave Clawson agreed to a five-year contract when hired by UR in 2004, then agreed to a two-year extension following the 2005 season. That extension ran through 2010, but Clawson became Tennessee's offensive coordinator before last season. He is now Bowling Green's coach.

"We understand the realities of FCS football, that if you're successful, sometimes coaches have opportunities that they feel they have to look at," Miller said. "I think the contract recognizes that reality but also protects the university if coach London were to make that decision.

"But I think the commitment he has made in this contract is an indication of his long-term commitment to the University of Richmond."

London, who could not be reached for comment, was named male coach of the year in all sports by Black Coaches & Administrators, and also was honored as FCS coach of the year by the American Football Coaches Association and by Schutt Sports/American Football Monthly.

UR's commitment to football and London also includes facility improvements. The school plans to open in 2010 a $25 million on-campus football stadium that seats 8,700. The Spiders have played off-campus since 1929.

"We continue to upgrade our facilities," Miller said. "We've enhanced the current facilities in the Robins Center that football has used, during the nine years I've been here, ranging from the locker room to the weight room, and we continue to look at ways to enhance the meeting rooms.

"There are ongoing discussions about the future of facilities involving football."

Contact John O'Connor at (804) 649-6233 or .