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The firing of North Carolina State head coach Tom O’Brien was one of the bigger surprises in the ACC this season. The way it was done was even more surprising as he was let go during the season, despite the fact that he was leading a team that was going to a bowl game. However, O’Brien is landing on his feet. On Thursday he was officially named the new associate head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers under head coach Mike London.
London and O’Brien have a history together. London was one of O’Brien’s assistant coaches when he was the head coach at Boston College. This time around their roles will be reversed, and London is in charge. O’Brien isn’t coming by himself either. Former NC State linebackers coach Jon Tenuta has been announced to be the new Cavaliers defensive coordinator.
I like this move by London. These two coaches have a familiarity with one another and the fact that they are working with each other again means that they have a good relationship. I’m not saying that this is the answer that will boost Virginia over the top, but it could make the Wahoos a better team. O’Brien did a solid job of recruiting when he was with the Wolfpack and when you add that to London’s recruiting prowess then you have a potent tag team to bring in new talent.
The Cavaliers had to do something. After their 4-8 season in 2012, London had to clean house with his assistants. We will see if O’Brien and Tenuta are the answer.
