Williford interviews for assistant position

If it’s true that the third time is the charm, then former Virginia basketball player Jason Williford is in business.

On Thursday, the assistant coach at American University interviewed for a spot on new UVa coach Tony Bennett’s staff.

“It was a pretty good meeting,” said Williford, who works under former Virginia coach Jeff Jones at American. “He seems like a great guy, like very genuine.

“Obviously I hope it works out well for me, but I feel like the University got a heck of a coach.”

Williford interviewed twice for spots on former Virginia coach Dave Leitao’s staff. The first time, he turned down the opportunity to be the director of basketball operations. Two years later, he interviewed for the assistant’s spot that wound up going to Bill Courtney.

Williford, who has helped lead the Eagles to two consecutive Patriot League championships and NCAA tournament berths, would love to return to his alma mater and take the next step in his coaching career.

“Obviously everybody wants to be at that level,” said Williford, a former Virginia captain who graduated in 1995, “but I think I’ve worked pretty hard over the last few years. If given the opportunity, I’d be ready to work my butt off. I would just be excited if I were to get the chance.”

How did the interview with Bennett go?

“It went well,” Williford said, “but I was hopeful the first couple times, so we’ll see. I don’t want to get too high. We’ll just wait and see…I’m thrilled that I got the opportunity to sit in front of him, to be quite honest.”

If hired, Williford would join former Liberty head coach Ritchie McKay and former Washington State assistant coach Ron Sanchez on Bennett’s staff.

Bennett gave Williford no timetable as to when he’d make his decision.

“I’m hoping sooner than later,” said Williford, with a laugh, “but we’ll see.”