Earlier today we noted that Bill Lazor was reportedly leaving as Virginia’s offensive coordinator for the big-boy football league.
Tuesday afternoon, the school confirmed as much via a press release, announcing that Lazor resigned his position with the football program to accept a coaching position in the NFL. While a specific destination was not given, Lazor is headed for a spot on Chip Kelly‘s NFL coaching staff.
“I appreciate Bill Lazor’s time here as a member of my staff,” a portion of head coach Mike London‘s statement on Lazor’s departure read.
Lazor spent the past three seasons at Virginia, but most of his coaching experience has been at the NFL level. Just last year, Lazor was heavily pursued by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“We have always been aware Bill Lazor might pursue a great opportunity in the National Football League,” said Virginia athletic director Jon Oliver. “The job he is taking with an NFL team is simply that. We see this as an opportunity for our football program that we will seek to maximize.”
As far as a replacement goes, London stated that "[w]e will move quickly to find a new offensive coordinator to keep the program moving forward.” London intimated that a new hire wouldn’t be made until sometime after National Signing Day next Tuesday.
Tom O’Brien, who joined London’s staff earlier this year after his dismissal as North Carolina State’s head coach, has been mentioned as a possibility. O’Brien spent six seasons as the Cavaliers coordinator nearly two decades ago.
(Photo credit: Virginia athletics)