Tony White shares first impressions of Nebraska in spring football

After a pair of successful seasons coaching the Syracuse defense, Tony White moved on to Nebraska to join new head coach Matt Rhule’s staff. White worked wonders with the Orange and is now trying to perform a similar defensive turnaround with the Cornhuskers. According to Coach White, that all starts with buy-in from the players, and he says practices have shown a good attitude from them thus far in spring practice.

“Things are going well. You know, it’s all about the enthusiasm and the energy of those guys, the willingness to learn and to adapt to the change that’s happening,” Tony White said during a press conference the other day. “Not only x’s and o’s-wise, but just an overall mentality. And those those young men have been running around doing all the things that’s been asked. So it’s been good so far.”

White was then asked if he’s had any trouble adjusting to the new job. Of course, he admits there’s always a bit of an adjustment period with a brand new staff, but White is just soaking up the opportunity to coach alongside such esteemed people at a program of Nebraska’s stature.

“I wouldn’t say adjustments, you know. I’m really, again, I keep saying this but it’s because it’s truth: I’m really fortunate. I’m really lucky to be here at Nebraska and I’m really fortunate to be around Coach Rhule. You know, being around him, you understand why the success is there, you know.”

White also says he’s trying to be a learner and a teacher. He has the defense to coach, obviously, but he also said he’s trying to take notes from how Coach Rhule runs things. Per White, their relationship is only strengthening.

“And I’m constantly taking notes and trying to absorb as much as I can and get things right. So that way we can we can be good, but also so that I can learn to be a better coach. So I don’t know about adjusting. Him adjusting to me, and I’m adjusting to him.”

Nebraska still in a bit of a transition period this season, Expectations likely won’t be sky high in year one, but by the second season, Husker fans won’t be very patient looking for success. Tony White and Matt Rhule have a few months to get on the same page for the season kicks off next fall.