There was a time when Tony White was one of the hottest names on the list of coordinators destined to be a head coach. These days, the Florida State defensive coordinator’s seat is among the hottest in the country.
When he joined the Seminoles after two years with Nebraska, it was considered quite the coup for Mike Norvell, even if the move didn’t make much sense because FSU has been worse than the Huskers the last few years.
Against SMU, White’s unit had insult added to injury as a clip of one of White’s defenders started circulating on social media. In the clip, defensive lineman Mandrell Desir can be seen moving up to the Mustangs’ offensive line, doing some motion that can only be described as miming as though he was dribbling a basketball through his legs. Or he was trying to scare the offense by walking up on him like a strange monster.
It was the kind of thing that defenders usually don’t do. They move into position, get into their stances, and wait for the ball to be snapped. But it’s not the odd pre-snap approach that made the clip embarrassing for White and Florida State.
Please watch #3 for FSU right before the defense gives up a 30 yard gain on 3rd & 10 😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/6vKtVqRr7A
— Chris Marler (@Vern_Funquist) September 8, 2026
Tony White’s Florida State struggles reshape how Nebraska football fans view his departure
What made the clip worse is that Desir charged at the line only to get pancaked by the guard he squared up against, and SMU gained 30 yards on the play.
In reality, that play was just indicative of a bigger problem. Since leaving Nebraska, White’s defense has been far from impressive. In 2025, a unit expected to have big talent was middle of the road in points allowed and rushing defense (though it was great against the pass). So far in 2026, things have only gotten worse.
In Week 0, Florida State allowed 17 points and 262 yards passing to New Mexico State. That yardage included 33- and 34-yard touchdown passes. Then things really got bad on Monday night against ACC rival SMU when White’s defense allowed 585 yards of total offense in the 27-24 loss.
Mustangs’ quarterback Kevin Jennings threw for 430 yards, but SMU also ran for 155 yards. Even though Florida State forced four turnovers, it felt more like SMU shooting itself in the foot than impressive play from the Seminoles.
not one DB is in the frame at the first down line when the ball comes out of his hand. lmfao https://t.co/prYNeuWjim pic.twitter.com/EJjhud9fpo
— POP POP STL (@VWEBBJR) September 8, 2026
While most of the strongest voices have called for head coach Mike Norvell to get fired, there’s more interest in getting rid of White recently as well.
When White left Nebraska, it was considered a significant loss, since his defenses were stingier than the Huskers had seen in recent seasons. NU now hopes that new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich can be the guy who really replaces and even improves on what White did in Lincoln.
With Tony White topping potential head coaching search lists less and hot-seat lists more, he might be wishing he’d never left Nebraska.
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