FSU expected to hire Tony White from Nebraska as next defensive coordinator (12:45 p.m. update)
12:45 p.m. update: As Warchant reported first this morning, Florida State is working to finalize a deal to bring in Nebraska’s Tony White as the Seminoles’ new defensive coordinator.
ESPN’s Pete Thamel subsequently reported, there are some “details” to be worked out before White is officially named to the position, and Warchant has confirmed that with a university source as well.
Florida State is working to make official the hirings of White as defensive coordinator and Gus Malzahn as offensive coordinator before National Signing Day on Wednesday, but it is not yet known if that will happen in time.
Stay connected to Warchant.com for continuing coverage.
FIRST REPORT
Florida State is poised to add another big name to its 2025 coaching staff, as the Seminoles are expected to hire Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive coordinator Tony White as its next coordinator, sources have told Warchant’s Gene Williams and Jeff Cameron.
Under White’s direction, Nebraska’s defense currently ranks in the top 20 nationally for scoring defense (19.8 points per game) and total defense (315.4 yards per game).
The veteran assistant coach, who has been nominated for the Broyles Award each of the past two seasons, has held the titles of defensive coordinator and associate head coach during two seasons with the Cornhuskers.
Before that, he was defensive coordinator at Syracuse for two years, and he has coached cornerbacks and linebackers in the past, along with being a recruiting coordinator.
Top 10
- 1New
CBB Top 25
AP Poll shake up after Feast Week
- 2Breaking
Miller Moss
USC QB to enter transfer portal
- 3
FSU to hire Huskers DC
Tony White expected to be hired by FSU
- 4Hot
Harsin wears Bama gear
Former Auburn HC sports LANK shirt
- 5
BCS formula predicts CFP
Predicting the College Football Playoff Top 25
As a player, White started at linebacker for three years at UCLA in the late 1990s and 2000, and he was a team captain during his final season.
In 2023, White’s Nebraska’s defense ranked No. 11 nationally in total defense at 303.5 yards per game. His Syracuse defenses ranked No. 18 in 2021 and No. 21 in 2022.
Florida State’s defense finished this season allowing 385.9 yards per game, which ranks 87th nationally.
White will replace Adam Fuller, who was dismissed last month before finishing his fifth season as Florida State defensive coordinator. On Saturday, Warchant and other media outlets reported that former Auburn and UCF head coach Gus Malzahn will be FSU’s next offensive coordinator.
Neither hire has been made official by the university as of yet.
Stay connected with Warchant.com for more on this story.
*Sign up for premium access to Warchant.com and the On3 Network*
Join Warchant for Market-Leading Florida State coverage!
Warchant.com provides just what passionate FSU fans expect: Market-leading coverage of Seminole athletics and recruiting.
Join the largest Florida State fan community and receive all the benefits that come with it:
- Elite team and recruiting coverage of the program you love.
- Exclusive video and board Q&A’s with Warchant staff.
- Interaction with the most passionate Seminole fans across multiple board forums.
- 10% off all Garnet & Gold purchases while holding an active membership. Member exclusive discounts once a month at even higher savings.
- Access to Warchant member benefits and giveaways at site events.
- So much more!
Talk about this story with other die-hard Florida State football fans on the Tribal Council.
