Charlottesville, VA, September 12, 2025
News Summary
Ruffin McNeill has been appointed as the assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach at the University of Virginia. This hiring follows his dismissal from East Carolina University after a six-season tenure. McNeill, credited with leading ECU to four bowl game appearances, aims to contribute significantly to UVA’s program, working under head coach Bronco Mendenhall who he has long-standing ties with. McNeill’s experience and previous successes, including mentoring young athletes and coaches, signal a promising future for the UVA football team.
Charlottesville, VA – Former East Carolina Head Coach Ruffin McNeill Hired as Assistant at University of Virginia
Ruffin McNeill has been appointed as the assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach at the University of Virginia (UVA), announced the university on Monday. This move follows McNeill’s recent dismissal from East Carolina University (ECU), where he concluded a six-season tenure with an overall record of 42-34.
McNeill’s hiring comes just eight days after he was released from ECU following a disappointing 5-7 season that ended without a bowl game qualification. During his time there, McNeill was credited with leading the Pirates to four bowl game appearances, enhancing the program’s reputation within college football.
As he takes on this new role, McNeill will work under the newly appointed head coach Bronco Mendenhall, who joined UVA just a week before McNeill’s appointment. The relationship between Mendenhall and McNeill dates back to previous coaching encounters, including a game in October where Mendenhall’s BYU team defeated McNeill’s ECU squad 45-38.
The connection between Mendenhall and McNeill adds an extra layer to the transition, as both coaches have respectedly crossed paths in their careers. McNeill’s tenure at ECU was marked by notable achievements, including a remarkable 10-win season and a Conference USA division title in 2012. Notably, he was instrumental in providing Lincoln Riley, who currently holds the head coach position at USC, his first opportunity as an offensive coordinator.
After parting ways with ECU, McNeill continued his coaching career by assuming roles as a defensive coordinator at various institutions, including Appalachian State, UNLV, Fresno State, and Texas Tech. His vast experience is expected to contribute significantly to the UVA program, particularly in developing young athletes and coaches.
McNeill has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had at ECU, highlighting the positive experiences and relationships he formed during his time there, despite the recent dismissal. His lively demeanor and commitment to coaching greatly impacted student-athletes and fellow coaches alike throughout his nearly four-decade coaching career.
As a player, McNeill was a trailblazer, being the first Black athlete from Lumberton High School to earn a Division I football scholarship, playing for East Carolina from 1976 to 1980. He contributed to the 1976 Southern Conference championship team and participated in the 1978 Independence Bowl, marking the start of his long and influential relationship with East Carolina football.
Immediately after ending his playing career, McNeill transitioned into coaching, beginning as a graduate assistant at ECU. Through his extensive experience in coaching at various levels, including high school and multiple universities, he has built a reputation for mentoring young coaches and supporting athlete development.
Key Points in McNeill’s Career
- Overall record at ECU: 42-34 (six seasons)
- Four bowl game appearances with ECU
- 10-win season and Conference USA division title in 2012
- Worked as a defensive coordinator at several prominent universities
- First Black athlete from Lumberton High School to earn a Division I scholarship
Conclusion
Ruffin McNeill’s addition to the University of Virginia coaching staff signals a hopeful new chapter for both the coach and the program. With a wealth of experience and a solid track record, McNeill aims to guide UVA’s inside linebackers and bolster the team’s defensive capabilities in the seasons to come.
FAQs
What is Ruffin McNeill’s new position at UVA?
Ruffin McNeill has been hired as the assistant head coach and inside linebackers coach at the University of Virginia.
What were McNeill’s accomplishments at East Carolina University?
At ECU, McNeill had an overall record of 42-34, led the team to four bowl game appearances, and achieved a 10-win season along with a Conference USA division title in 2012.
Who is Bronco Mendenhall?
Bronco Mendenhall is the newly appointed head coach at the University of Virginia, with whom McNeill has a long-standing coaching relationship.
Key Features of McNeill’s Career
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Position at UVA | Assistant Head Coach, Inside Linebackers Coach |
| Previous Tenure | East Carolina University (5-7 season) |
| Overall Record at ECU | 42-34 |
| Bowl Game Appearances | 4 |
| Notable Achievement | 10-win season, Conference USA division title in 2012 |
| Previous Roles | Defensive coordinator at multiple schools |
| Playing Career | First Black athlete from Lumberton High School to earn a Division I scholarship |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 247Sports: Ruffin McNeill’s Impact at NC State
- News Observer: NC State Football Updates
- GoPack: Ruffin McNeill Joins NC State Staff
- Virginia Sports: UVA Football News
- Football Scoop: Ruffin McNeill Coaching Updates
- Wikipedia: Ruffin McNeill
- Google Search: Ruffin McNeill
- Google Scholar: Ruffin McNeill
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ruffin McNeill
- Google News: Ruffin McNeill
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