Atlanta Falcons running backs coach Desmond Kitchings has been hired as the offensive coordinator at Virginia and will begin immediately, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said Monday.
Kitchings had first been reported as a candidate last month by ESPN's Adam Rittenberg as the 43-year-old makes a return to college after one year coaching in the NFL.
"He's a smart coach, communicates well, understands how to provide value every week in terms of strategically coming up with ideas and getting his guys ready to go," Smith said. "He's a good, smart coach. He'll be missed around here but it's a heck of an opportunity for him.