Having met earlier with Virginia's players, Mendenhall described them as a group that is "hungry for success" but needs more unity, commitment and discipline.
"I am an effort-based coach," he said. "I love more than anything guys that try hard."
Mendenhall acknowledged that a "large number" of his assistant coaches at BYU will likely accompany him to Virginia. At a minimum, defensive coordinator Nick Howell and outside linebackers coach Kelly Poppinga are expected to follow Mendenhall.
"That doesn't mean [BYU] is exclusively where they will come from," he said.
Offensive coordinator Robert Anae is a strong possibility to make the cross-country trek to Charlottesville if he does not become Mendenhall's successor at BYU.