Fire Des Kitchings: UVA Fans Demand Accountability
The Issue
To UVA Athletic Director Carla Williams and Head Football Coach Tony Elliott:
We, the undersigned fans and supporters of the University of Virginia Cavaliers, are calling for the immediate dismissal of Des Kitchings as offensive coordinator.
Enough excuses. Enough word salad. Enough inconsistency. UVA football deserves better.
The offensive coordinator is responsible for developing an effective offensive identity, preparing for opposing defenses, making adjustments, and putting players in positions to succeed. Through the first seven games of the 2026 season, there have been too many concerning performances and too many questions about the direction of this offense.
The problem isn't just losing games. It's the frustrating inconsistency, questionable play-calling, and apparent inability to adjust when the original game plan isn't working.
THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
1. The West Virginia loss — September 19, 2026
Virginia lost 38–27 after an offensive performance that raised serious questions about the game plan and the ability to adjust. Following an encouraging start, the offense struggled to move the ball consistently through the air. As West Virginia adjusted defensively, Virginia had difficulty finding answers.
Three consecutive three-and-out possessions compounded the problem. Questions about predictable play-calling and the ability to attack downfield became increasingly difficult to ignore.
An offensive coordinator must recognize what the defense is doing and respond accordingly. When an opponent makes adjustments, the offense cannot continue running into the same wall.
2. The Florida State embarrassment — October 3, 2026
Virginia managed just seven points in a 38–7 defeat.
Losing to a quality opponent is part of college football, but scoring only one touchdown raises serious questions about offensive preparation, execution, and the ability to generate points against stronger competition.
UVA cannot expect to compete consistently in the ACC if its offense disappears when the competition gets tougher.
3. The Syracuse warning sign — October 10, 2026
Virginia escaped with a 28–25 victory, but the offense produced only 288 total yards. Syracuse had surrendered 499 yards and 41 points to UConn the previous week.
More concerning, Virginia endured six consecutive punts before finally finding its rhythm and scoring 21 unanswered points to complete the comeback.
The late-game success demonstrated what this offense could accomplish. But it also raises an obvious question: Why did it take so long to make the necessary adjustments?
A win should never prevent an honest evaluation of the problems that nearly cost a team the game.
4. The SMU loss — October 17, 2026: More of the same
Today’s 23–13 loss to SMU exposed the same offensive problems we’ve seen all season. UVA was again out-coached and failed to make adjustments at halftime. UVA managed just 258 total yards, 137 yards passing, and converted only 4 of 13 third downs.
The lack of consistency, adjustments, and offensive production is unacceptable.
5. Third-down struggles
Through the first six games, Virginia converted just 27 of 81 third-down attempts, approximately 33%.
Third-down execution is critical to sustaining drives, controlling possession, keeping the defense rested, and finishing scoring opportunities. A conversion rate like this demands attention and improvement.
When an offense repeatedly struggles to extend drives, the coaching staff must evaluate its play selection, formations, personnel packages, and overall approach.
6. The inability to adjust play-calling
One of the biggest concerns with Des Kitchings is the apparent failure to adapt when the original offensive game plan isn't working.
Against West Virginia, Virginia struggled to maintain its early momentum after the Mountaineers adjusted defensively. Against Syracuse, the offense went through a prolonged stretch without scoring before finally making progress.
These performances raise legitimate questions about in-game decision-making and whether adjustments are being made quickly and effectively enough.
An offensive coordinator's job is not simply to install a game plan. It is to recognize when that plan is failing and find answers before the game gets away.
That means varying the play-calling, exploiting defensive weaknesses, creating opportunities downfield, and responding to what the opposing defense is doing. Continuing to rely on approaches that aren't producing results is not a recipe for sustained success.
UVA needs an offense that can adapt throughout four quarters, not one that leaves fans wondering why meaningful changes weren't made sooner.
7. Failure to maximize the talent at the skill positions
Another major concern is how Virginia's skill-position talent is being utilized.
An offensive coordinator must find ways to get playmakers involved, create favorable matchups, manufacture space, and put players in positions where their abilities can make a difference.
That requires more than repeatedly relying on familiar plays. It requires creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to change the approach when the defense takes away the offense's preferred options.
When drives stall and the offense struggles to generate explosive plays, the coaching staff must examine whether its personnel and play-calling are maximizing the talent available.
Why aren't adjustments being made to better utilize the available playmakers? Why does the offense struggle to find answers against defensive schemes that are disrupting its rhythm?
Talent is only as effective as the system and coaching used to develop it. The players deserve an offensive coordinator who can recognize their strengths, create opportunities for them, and make adjustments when the current approach isn't working.
OUR DEMANDS
We call on UVA Athletics and Head Coach Tony Elliott to Dismiss Des Kitchings as offensive coordinator immediately.
In recent years, the UVA football program has received transformational and record setting donations. These donors and fans buy tickets, travel to games, support recruiting, and invest emotionally in this program. Players dedicate countless hours to competing at the highest level. They deserve coaching that maximizes their potential and gives them the best chance to win.
We recognize that no offense will be perfect and that every loss cannot be blamed on one coach. However since Kitchings' arrival in 2022, the repeated inconsistency, questionable play-calling, concerns about personnel usage, and an apparent inability to make timely adjustments warrant serious scrutiny.
UVA football cannot afford to confuse occasional success with consistent progress.
FIRE DES KITCHINGS!
9
The Issue
To UVA Athletic Director Carla Williams and Head Football Coach Tony Elliott:
We, the undersigned fans and supporters of the University of Virginia Cavaliers, are calling for the immediate dismissal of Des Kitchings as offensive coordinator.
Enough excuses. Enough word salad. Enough inconsistency. UVA football deserves better.
The offensive coordinator is responsible for developing an effective offensive identity, preparing for opposing defenses, making adjustments, and putting players in positions to succeed. Through the first seven games of the 2026 season, there have been too many concerning performances and too many questions about the direction of this offense.
The problem isn't just losing games. It's the frustrating inconsistency, questionable play-calling, and apparent inability to adjust when the original game plan isn't working.
THE RESULTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES
1. The West Virginia loss — September 19, 2026
Virginia lost 38–27 after an offensive performance that raised serious questions about the game plan and the ability to adjust. Following an encouraging start, the offense struggled to move the ball consistently through the air. As West Virginia adjusted defensively, Virginia had difficulty finding answers.
Three consecutive three-and-out possessions compounded the problem. Questions about predictable play-calling and the ability to attack downfield became increasingly difficult to ignore.
An offensive coordinator must recognize what the defense is doing and respond accordingly. When an opponent makes adjustments, the offense cannot continue running into the same wall.
2. The Florida State embarrassment — October 3, 2026
Virginia managed just seven points in a 38–7 defeat.
Losing to a quality opponent is part of college football, but scoring only one touchdown raises serious questions about offensive preparation, execution, and the ability to generate points against stronger competition.
UVA cannot expect to compete consistently in the ACC if its offense disappears when the competition gets tougher.
3. The Syracuse warning sign — October 10, 2026
Virginia escaped with a 28–25 victory, but the offense produced only 288 total yards. Syracuse had surrendered 499 yards and 41 points to UConn the previous week.
More concerning, Virginia endured six consecutive punts before finally finding its rhythm and scoring 21 unanswered points to complete the comeback.
The late-game success demonstrated what this offense could accomplish. But it also raises an obvious question: Why did it take so long to make the necessary adjustments?
A win should never prevent an honest evaluation of the problems that nearly cost a team the game.
4. The SMU loss — October 17, 2026: More of the same
Today’s 23–13 loss to SMU exposed the same offensive problems we’ve seen all season. UVA was again out-coached and failed to make adjustments at halftime. UVA managed just 258 total yards, 137 yards passing, and converted only 4 of 13 third downs.
The lack of consistency, adjustments, and offensive production is unacceptable.
5. Third-down struggles
Through the first six games, Virginia converted just 27 of 81 third-down attempts, approximately 33%.
Third-down execution is critical to sustaining drives, controlling possession, keeping the defense rested, and finishing scoring opportunities. A conversion rate like this demands attention and improvement.
When an offense repeatedly struggles to extend drives, the coaching staff must evaluate its play selection, formations, personnel packages, and overall approach.
6. The inability to adjust play-calling
One of the biggest concerns with Des Kitchings is the apparent failure to adapt when the original offensive game plan isn't working.
Against West Virginia, Virginia struggled to maintain its early momentum after the Mountaineers adjusted defensively. Against Syracuse, the offense went through a prolonged stretch without scoring before finally making progress.
These performances raise legitimate questions about in-game decision-making and whether adjustments are being made quickly and effectively enough.
An offensive coordinator's job is not simply to install a game plan. It is to recognize when that plan is failing and find answers before the game gets away.
That means varying the play-calling, exploiting defensive weaknesses, creating opportunities downfield, and responding to what the opposing defense is doing. Continuing to rely on approaches that aren't producing results is not a recipe for sustained success.
UVA needs an offense that can adapt throughout four quarters, not one that leaves fans wondering why meaningful changes weren't made sooner.
7. Failure to maximize the talent at the skill positions
Another major concern is how Virginia's skill-position talent is being utilized.
An offensive coordinator must find ways to get playmakers involved, create favorable matchups, manufacture space, and put players in positions where their abilities can make a difference.
That requires more than repeatedly relying on familiar plays. It requires creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to change the approach when the defense takes away the offense's preferred options.
When drives stall and the offense struggles to generate explosive plays, the coaching staff must examine whether its personnel and play-calling are maximizing the talent available.
Why aren't adjustments being made to better utilize the available playmakers? Why does the offense struggle to find answers against defensive schemes that are disrupting its rhythm?
Talent is only as effective as the system and coaching used to develop it. The players deserve an offensive coordinator who can recognize their strengths, create opportunities for them, and make adjustments when the current approach isn't working.
OUR DEMANDS
We call on UVA Athletics and Head Coach Tony Elliott to Dismiss Des Kitchings as offensive coordinator immediately.
In recent years, the UVA football program has received transformational and record setting donations. These donors and fans buy tickets, travel to games, support recruiting, and invest emotionally in this program. Players dedicate countless hours to competing at the highest level. They deserve coaching that maximizes their potential and gives them the best chance to win.
We recognize that no offense will be perfect and that every loss cannot be blamed on one coach. However since Kitchings' arrival in 2022, the repeated inconsistency, questionable play-calling, concerns about personnel usage, and an apparent inability to make timely adjustments warrant serious scrutiny.
UVA football cannot afford to confuse occasional success with consistent progress.
FIRE DES KITCHINGS!
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Petition created on October 17, 2026