Two years ago, Mike London's first game as a head coach came against his former team.
London will find himself in the same scenario on Sept. 4 when his Virginia Cavaliers open the season against Richmond.
In 2008, London took over the Spiders after a second stint as Virginia's defensive coordinator.
He's returned to the Cavaliers as the replacement for Al Groh, who was fired following a 3-9 campaign.
London remembers the emotions involved when he squared off against the Cavaliers for the first time.
"I would not be human if I sat here and said it's another game. It's not another game," London said. "That's my alma mater. I spent years there as a coach and a player and I won championships there with that team."
London guided the Spiders to the 2008 FCS national title. He's hoping for similar success at Virginia, but there's a significant rebuilding job in front of him.
The Cavaliers are coming off back-to-back losing seasons. They endured three losing seasons in the past four years.
That's why one of London's first priorities has been to rebuild the confidence of his players. That starts with quarterback Marc Verica, who was mentally weary after he threw eight touchdowns and 16 interceptions while starting nine games in 2008.
"Coach London and the staff's confidence in me [has] helped a lot," Verica said. "Just preparing in the offseason, knowing that you're the guy, it makes a lot of difference."
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
.gif){kind=spacer}
Virginia Cavaliers
