University of Richmond Athletics
What They're Saying About Mike London
01/19/2008 | Football
Jan. 19, 2008
Chris Long, University of Virginia Senior Linebacker
"He is a really special guy off the field. He will be the first to tell you that there is more to life than football. If a guy has an opportunity to be a head coach, that's what can make a head coach great sometimes. He relates to players well and he knows when it is time to talk to you as a human being, as a person, and when to talk to you as a football player. That's why I think he is so good. He is a family guy, he is a man of faith and he is a great guy off the field."
"I would go on the record as saying the proof is in the pudding. The work speaks for itself."
"Coach London is in there every day with us. He is high energy. He's the guy that I spend the most time with as a defensive lineman."
"The fact that he has done that so well is a testament to his coaching and how hands on he is."
Al Groh, University of Virginia Head Coach
"Mike London has played a significant role in the success of Virginia football over the past seven seasons. We are pleased that Mike becomes the fourth staff member to become a head coach and are elated for Mike and his family. Mike is competitive, compassionate, demanding and an excellent communicator -- all key ingredients for a top leadership position. All of our players and coaches are pleased and confident for his success."
Chuck Boone, CAA Director of Football Operations (Former Richmond Athletic Director)
"The great thing about Mike was his enthusiasm. He couldn't wait for practice and he couldn't wait for the games to start. He was well-respected as the leader of the team and he always talked about being a coach. Back then, if Mike London was talking about something he'd like to do, you'd have to believe he was going to be successful at it."
"Mike understands the University and understands its philosophy and what it wants to do."
Ray Tate, Richmond Hall of Famer
"I'm very proud of the fact we have hired a head coach that has played at the University of Richmond. We haven't had one since Ed Merrick, who was my coach, and I'm very proud that Jim Miller and his staff have made a the decision to hire Mike London, who is a Richmond Spider."
"Mike has class and he's a good coach on and off the field. He's worked very hard to achieve the goal of becoming a head coach. He's an excellent recruiter and he's shown great success at each of his stops along the way."
"He does have leadership qualities and because he's been a coordinator, an assistant coach, and in the pros, he knows how to deal with every type of personality. I also think he will surround himself with a great staff that will help make him a success as a head coach."
Jasmonn Coleman, Spider Sports Network anaylst
"I played for him at the University of Richmond, under his tutelage, my redshirt freshman season. He was one of the first coaches to contact me and one of the first coaches to actually coach me when I started my career as a Spider."
"I thought he was great with the players. He was very personable, really got involved and got to know the players, especially at his position. He cared about us and he became someone we could lean on for things not just associated with football. He helped me get acclimated to college life and obviously taught me a lot about the game. I think as a head coach, he'll be able to step right in and do a great job of getting our guys ready to play and ready to take on the stresses of college life and the academics."
"He comes in from the highest level and the players are going to respond to him very quickly. His backgorund, his resume will speak for itself. These kids will be very excited to find out what he's able to bring and what he's able to teach them so they can take what was a remarkable 2007 season into a more-explosive 2008 season."
