Tony White departs Nebraska football for warmer pastures

The deal that’s been in the works for at least a few days has reportedly been signed and defensive coordinator Tony White has left the Nebraska football team for Florida State. The lateral move was a bit of a surprise when it first surfaced, nonetheless it was thought he was in talks with the Seminoles earlier monday morning.

According to Pete Thamel, White signed a three year deal with FSU, though for now, contract details beyond the length haven’t been released. What is known is that it leaves a massive hole on the Huskers’ coaching staff.

The Nebraska football team finished in the Top 20 in total yardage both years that White was running the defense. That despite the team as a whole struggling to a 5-7 record in 2023 and a 6-6 record in 2024. For most games during his tenure, White’s defense was counted on to carry the team, and had the offense been just a little better, it might have carried the program to a bowl game in Matt Rhule’s first season.

Nebraska football loses its defensive coordinator

After the season, White was one of the hot commodities in the coaching carousel. It was reported that he was a top candidate for both UCLA and San Diego State but decided to stay in Lincoln.

At the time, Rhule went on the record as saying he was encouraging to take a head coaching job if one came along. It’s a safe bet he was less supportive of White leaving for a lateral move, especially one on a team where the head coach just finished a 2-10 campaign after starting the season ranked in the Top 10.

The question now is who White might take with him. It was previously reported that defensive line coach Terrance Knighton would follow Tony White away from Nebraska football and to Florida State.