London, who becomes the 33rd head coach in school history, is also the first alumnus to assume the position since Ed Merrick (1951-65).

The 47-year-old spent six of the last seven seasons working with the defense at the University of Virginia, with a stop in 2005 as defensive line coach for the NFL's Houston Texans.

A 1983 graduate of Richmond, London began his coaching career with the Spiders in 1988, spending two years as outside linebackers coach and admissions liaison. He returned in 1994 for a three-year stint as outside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator to then-head coach Jim Reid.

"We are thrilled to have Mike lead our football program," said director of athletics Jim Miller. "He has proven himself as a talented football coach and great recruiter, while experiencing football at its highest level."

London takes over for Dave Clawson, who resigned in order to accept the position of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Tennessee.

In four seasons, Clawson led the Spiders to three consecutive winning seasons and compiled a 29-20 record. It was the first time that Richmond football logged back-to-back-to-back winning seasons in 52 years.

Richmond won a school-record 11 games in 2007, reached the semifinals of the NCAA Playoffs for the first time in school history and captured the Colonial Athletic Association football title.