Scott lands at Virginia

Virginia’s new offensive coordinator Gregg Brandon provided Al Groh with a well-timed home run when his hiring was learned last week.
Given that was the case with Brandon’s appointment, the latest haul provided the Cavaliers’ football program with even more, perhaps even an inside-the-park — well, inside-the-state — mammoth blast.
Through a university-issued press release Tuesday, Groh announced that Brandon, the former head coach at Bowling Green, and Latrell Scott, considered one of the state’s top up-and-coming recruiters, were “officially” added as assistant coaches at Virginia.
The Cavaliers created three vacancies on the staff when offensive coordinator Mike Groh, defensive line coach Levern Belin and cornerback coach Steve Bernstein were not retained for the 2009 season following the second 5-7 season in three years.
“We are extremely pleased that Gregg Brandon and Latrell Scott are joining the Virginia football program,” Al Groh said. “Gregg is in the front of the pack in the development of offensive schemes that will be versatile and exciting for our players. Gregg’s offenses at Bowling Green on different occasions led the MAC in both rushing and passing.
“Latrell established himself as a well-respected and popular coach around the state during his time at the University of Richmond. He has developed a strong rapport with prospects and players alike.”
Brandon, 52, brings credibility as the leader of Virginia’s offense having served as an offensive coordinator at Bowling Green under current Florida coach Urban Meyer.
The Falcons’ offense routinely ranked among the nation’s best during his eight seasons, six of which were served as the program’s head coach. He finished with a 44-30 overall record and took the program to three bowl games.
“I am very excited to be joining the staff at Virginia,” Brandon said. “I want to thank coach [Al] Groh for the opportunity to coordinate the offense.”
After the initial discovery, many questioned how much freedom that Al Groh would grant Brandon with the Cavaliers’ often-methodical operation. It sounds, however, that autonomy is expected.
“The UVa offense will be wide open and fun to watch,” said Brandon, who inked a multi-year contract. “Our players will find the system unique and creative. I can’t wait to get started.”
Brandon, a believer in the no-huddle, spread offense, should enjoy the return of quarterback Jameel Sewell to the fold. The rising senior, a two-dimensional option, will return to UVa next month for spring practice and is expected to be the starter.
Whether the job is won by Sewell, retained by Marc Verica or assumed by a newcomer, Scott will be working with the top signal-caller’s pass-catching options.
Scott, 33, arrives at Virginia after serving as the wide receivers coach at Tennessee for one season on an offense that was spearheaded by offensive coordinator Dave Clawson.
It was at Richmond that Scott was first employed by Clawson, the newly-hired head coach at Bowling Green.
Compared by many to a youthful Mike London in regards to recruiting, Scott worked at Richmond under Clawson (2005-2008) and was promoted late in his tenure to assistant head coach. Scott also worked at VMI (2002-2004), Western Carolina (2001) and under coach John Shuman at Fork Union Military Academy (1999-2000).
The Cavaliers’ desire for Scott was apparent — Virginia will pay Scott more than the $150,000 annual salary that he received at Tennessee, a source confirmed.
“I am extremely excited to return to the state of Virginia and have the opportunity to work with coach Groh and the rest of the staff,” Scott said. “I am also looking forward to getting out on the recruiting trail to help finalize this class and to help Virginia continue to be a top program.”
Scott, an All-American tight end at Hampton, served as the lead recruiter for three Tennessee commits including four-star linebacker Jerod Askew of Chesapeake.
While sources confirmed that Scott would not pursue current commitments to the Volunteers, he did serve as the lead recruiter for five-star offensive lineman Morgan Moses (Richmond) and four-star quarterback Tajh Boyd (Hampton).
Groh also announced that assistant Wayne Lineburg, formerly the wide receivers coach, would be moved to running backs. Lineburg coached running backs at Richmond for three seasons before he joined the Cavaliers’ staff.