CHARLOTTESVILLE – If you’ve spent any time today reading message boards devoted to U.Va. athletics – those on TheSabre.com and CavsCorner.com in particular – you’re probably convinced that the Al Groh era is over.

And maybe Groh has, indeed, coached his last game at Virginia.  But I’ve been digging and calling and digging all day, and none of the many people I’ve spoken to – at least those whom I consider to be reliable sources – believes a final decision has been made on Groh, whose eighth season as Virginia’s football coach ended last weekend with a 17-14 loss to Virginia Tech.

I have learned, however, that U.Va.’s board of visitors has told athletic-department officials that they may borrow money from the school to pay for Groh’s buyout if they decide a change is required.

Under the terms of Groh’s contract, U.Va. would owe him about $6 million if it fired him before next season.

In an e-mail exchange with me Nov. 9 – the day after U.Va.’s loss at Wake Forest—athletic director Craig Littlepage was unequivocal when I asked him about the 2009 football season.

“Al Groh will be our head coach,“ Littlepage said, even if U.Va. lost its final two regular-season games and finished with a losing record.

Which, of course, is what happened.  And now, Littlepage’s comments notwithstanding, many people close to the football program no longer seem convinced that Groh will return for a ninth season as coach at his alma mater.

About 28 hours after U.Va. lost in Blacksburg to finish 5-7 for the second time in three years. Littlepage announced Sunday night that Groh’s contract would not be extended through Dec. 31, 2012. Littlepage also said in his statement that he’d be meeting with Groh “in the next 48 hours to conduct a year-review of the football program.“

One of the issues to be discussed was offensive coordinator Mike Groh’s future on his father’s staff.  How those meetings have gone, I can’t say for sure, but various Internet reports suggest the two parties remain far apart.  Littlepage e-mailed me tonight to decline comment, and Al Groh didn’t respond to an e-mail I sent him seeking comment.

So what happens next?  I’m not sure, but I’d bet that Groh’s status will be clarified tomorrow.  Which begins in about 45 minutes. 

Good night.

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