10: 13 UPDATE: I can confirm that Duke had also reached out to Gattis this week. However, the Blue Devils appear focused on Texas A&M's defensive coordinator Mike Elko. Gattis is definitely on Duke's radar, though.
7:55 UPDATE: I can also confirm that Gattis and Virginia are indeed meeting this evening.
News broke earlier Thursday that Michigan assistant Josh Gattis has suddenly become a candidate for the Virginia head coaching vacancy. I can confirm that the Cavaliers' brass and Gattis have spoken, however, I am hesitant to say he is a slam dunk candidate to take the job.
Here's why.
It's my belief that it comes down to what Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliot will do. The Cavaliers' search has been a bit of a mess, so to speak. Some in Virginia's circle have vouched for Penn State assistant coach Anthony Poindexter, a former Cavalier himself. In fact, things had progressed in that direction until the Cavaliers suddenly pulled out of the search. Then, Elliot's name surfaced.
Elliot was considered a strong candidate for the job, almost a guarantee for the job. Until, according to reports today, the negotiations hit a 'snag.' Elliot is currently considering offers from Virginia and Duke. He is also weighing the option of staying put at Clemson where he's been a coordinator for over a decade with the Tigers.
This is why I believe Elliot's decision is one to watch for Gattis.
Poindexter has already stated publicly that he is returning to Penn State next season. While that doesn't necessarily eliminate him from consideration, it could be an awkward phone call for Virginia to make to follow up. However, the pull of an alma mater is always a strange force.
It is my OPINION that Gattis could be considered a very strong candidate if Elliot decides to turn down the Cavaliers. Things move quickly during coaching carousel season and this could develop quickly once Elliot makes the call. If Virginia moves on from Gattis, it won't be the only opportunity that he will get. While there's no apparent suitor outside of UVa, Gattis will certainly have schools reaching out to him in due time, especially considering the season that the Wolverines had on the field.
Again, pay attention to what Elliot does. This will make things interesting moving forward.
As always, stick with us for more updates.
7:55 UPDATE: I can also confirm that Gattis and Virginia are indeed meeting this evening.
News broke earlier Thursday that Michigan assistant Josh Gattis has suddenly become a candidate for the Virginia head coaching vacancy. I can confirm that the Cavaliers' brass and Gattis have spoken, however, I am hesitant to say he is a slam dunk candidate to take the job.
Here's why.
It's my belief that it comes down to what Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliot will do. The Cavaliers' search has been a bit of a mess, so to speak. Some in Virginia's circle have vouched for Penn State assistant coach Anthony Poindexter, a former Cavalier himself. In fact, things had progressed in that direction until the Cavaliers suddenly pulled out of the search. Then, Elliot's name surfaced.
Elliot was considered a strong candidate for the job, almost a guarantee for the job. Until, according to reports today, the negotiations hit a 'snag.' Elliot is currently considering offers from Virginia and Duke. He is also weighing the option of staying put at Clemson where he's been a coordinator for over a decade with the Tigers.
This is why I believe Elliot's decision is one to watch for Gattis.
Poindexter has already stated publicly that he is returning to Penn State next season. While that doesn't necessarily eliminate him from consideration, it could be an awkward phone call for Virginia to make to follow up. However, the pull of an alma mater is always a strange force.
It is my OPINION that Gattis could be considered a very strong candidate if Elliot decides to turn down the Cavaliers. Things move quickly during coaching carousel season and this could develop quickly once Elliot makes the call. If Virginia moves on from Gattis, it won't be the only opportunity that he will get. While there's no apparent suitor outside of UVa, Gattis will certainly have schools reaching out to him in due time, especially considering the season that the Wolverines had on the field.
Again, pay attention to what Elliot does. This will make things interesting moving forward.
As always, stick with us for more updates.
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