With the annual coaching carousel already underway, Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White has been named as a potential candidate for two opening head coaching jobs.
Previously, Cornhuskers Wire discussed White’s potential candidacy at San Diego State, where he previously was the Aztecs cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator. Now, with Dino Babers being fired at Syracuse, White, who was the Orange’s defensive coordinator in 2022, is being considered a potential candidacy for that opening as well.
On Monday, Nebraska head football coach Matt Rhule was asked about Tony White and his name being named as a potential candidate for the job openings.
“Go get a job, I told Tony,” Rhule said. “A search firm called me and asked for Tony’s number and I said, yes, Tony White should be a head coach, he’s excellent.
“I tell Tony don’t take the wrong one. Don’t take the wrong job now, don’t take a job with no resources. Don’t take a job with no support. Don’t take a job without a great recruiting base. Don’t take a job where the expectations outweigh the commitment,” Rhule added.
In White’s first season as the defensive coordinator for Nebraska, the Huskers’ defense has posted the 19th-best scoring defense in the country, allowing just 18.7 points per game. A significant improvement from the 27.6 points per game that they allowed in 2022.
The 44-year-old White has been considered a fast-rising coach over the last several years with successful stints at Arizona State, Syracuse, and now Nebraska as a defensive coordinator. Even if the 44-year-old returns to Lincoln in 2024 for a second season as the Huskers’ defensive coordinator, his days with the program are likely numbered as a head coaching opportunity should come his way sooner than later.
Find a photo gallery of Nebraska’s season below.