Virginia football team loses strength and conditioning coach

Brandon Hourigan, Virginia's director of football training and player development, announced Friday that he is departing the Cavaliers "to pursue other opportunities," according to a press release issued by the school's athletic department. Hourigan worked at Virginia the past two years.

"I am very thankful for the opportunities coach London and coach (Al) Groh gave me," Hourigan said in a statement. "It was a privilege to work with them and their coaching staffs as well as the bright student-athletes at Virginia. The players were very receptive and committed to improving every day when they showed up for workouts. I want to wish coach the best. I think the program has a bright future under his direction."

In a statement, Coach Mike London said: "I want to thank Brandon for his service to the Cavalier football program. I have been fortunate to work with him on two separate occasions and he has been tireless in his efforts to improve and develop the student-athletes in those programs. We all benefited from his enthusiasm and the energy and passion he displayed in the weight room and on the field. I want to wish him and his family the very best."

Virginia executive associate athletics director Jon Oliver will initiate a national search immediately to fill Hourigan's position, according to the press release.