Mike London Retained by Virginia: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

Despite five mostly unsatisfactory seasons, Mike London is returning to Virginia in 2015.

Craig Littlepage, the school's athletic director, announced the news Wednesday, via VirginiaSports.com:

"

It was important to see improvement in our football program this season. I've seen signs of progress in many areas. Through the staff changes made over the last two years, we are better at teaching the game and in the overall development of the student-athletes. We also continue to notice the commitment by this group of coaches and student-athletes to their academic and community responsibilities.

"

During his time at Virginia, London has compiled an overall record of 23-37, per Sports-Reference.com. He has put together just one winning season, and he took the Wahoos to one bowl game, a 43-24 loss in the 2011 Chick-fil-A Bowl to Auburn.      

London, who worked his way up the coaching ladder with stints as Virginia's defensive line coach and defensive coordinator, created a lot of room for optimism during his first couple of years in Charlottesville. 

Steve Helber/Associated Press

Following a 4-8 inaugural season after taking over for Al Groh, London brought in one of the finer recruiting classes the Cavaliers had seen in quite some time. According to 247Sports' composite system, the 2011 class featured five 4-stars and ranked 23rd nationally.

The success spilled onto the field, as Virginia went 8-5 and London won the 2011 ACC Coach of the Year award.

And really, he has continued to show prowess in recruiting circles, bringing in solid classes filled with talent:

Class	4-Stars	5-Stars	ACC Rank	NCAA Rank
2011	5	0	4	23
2012	4	0	5	25
2013	2	0	6	29
2014	2	2	6	32

But his on-field success hasn't quite matched. Limited by London's questionable play-calling, the Cavaliers won four games in 2012, two in 2013 and now sit at 5-6 in 2014. As such, despite the 54-year-old having an extensive history at Virginia and seeming to be well-liked, many assumed he was on the chopping block.

Alas, the Wahoos recently put a 30-13 smashing on Miami and are still bowl eligible. The school clearly likes the direction London is moving.

"I trust the plan Mike has in place and believe his leadership provides the best opportunity for Virginia football to be successful in the future," Littlepage said.

The Cavaliers, who have one bowl appearance in the last seven years, are desperate to find some program stability.

London has achieved consistency in the recruiting circles. Now it's time for him to do the same on the field.