Virginia head coach Mike London will return for the 2015 season, athletic director Craig Littlepage announced Wednesday.

Mike London has coached Virginia to a 5-6 record entering Friday's regular-season finale against rival Virginia Tech. Geoff Burke/USA TODAY Sports

"It was important to see improvement in our football program this season," Littlepage said in a release. "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."

Virginia (5-6) closes its season Friday night at rival Virginia Tech (5-6), with the winner gaining bowl eligibility.

London is 23-37 in five seasons as the Cavaliers' coach, and he came under heavy criticism following last season's 2-10 campaign, which included an 0-8 mark in ACC play.

"The staff has re-focused its recruiting efforts to emphasize the need to attract student-athletes capable of helping the program compete at a high level in the expanded Atlantic Coast Conference," Littlepage said. "We are seeing many of these student-athletes on the field right now and the staff continues to have success on the recruiting trail. We will continue to support the program in their efforts to maximize their recruiting success.

"It's important for each of our sports programs to continue to show progress and follow a plan to compete for conference championships and in postseason competition to support the department's goals," Littlepage added. "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."