HOUSTON – The Houston Texans announced today that they have hired Mike London as defensive line coach.
London, 44, enters his first NFL stint as the Texans defensive line coach from the University of Virginia, where he held the same position for the past four years. He also served as the recruiting coordinator for the Cavaliers. Virginia is one of the few college teams to use the 3-4 defense as their primary scheme. Under London's tutelage, a Virginia player finished first in tackling among ACC defensive linemen for three seasons.
Prior to working at Virginia, London served as defensive line coach at Boston College from 1997-2000, helping lead the Eagles to two bowl appearances. He coached All-America defensive tackle Chris Hovan, a first-round selection by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2000 NFL draft. London also served as the pro scout liaison in the Big East. Since 1997, he has attended several NFL mini-camps and training camps.
London was the outside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at Richmond for three years (1994-96). He coached All-America linebacker Shawn Barber, a Washington Redskin fourth-round draft pick in 1998. From 1990-93, London was the defensive line coach at William & Mary where he was instrumental in the development of 1993 consensus All-America defensive tackle Craig Staub. London began his coaching career as the outside linebackers coach and admissions liaison at Richmond (1988-89).
Prior to entering the coaching profession full-time, he spent several years as a police officer and part-time high school coach. He received a degree in law enforcement from the Richmond Police Academy in 1984 and served as a detective for the street crimes unit from 1985-87.
London played defensive back at Richmond from 1979-82, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in sociology. After college, London signed as a free agent with the Dallas Cowboys in 1983.
