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Syracuse defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Tony White is leaving to become the next defensive coordinator at Nebraska, sources told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. White emerged over the last few years as one of the top assistants in the country, utilizing a 3-3-5 defense with the Orange. He leaves Syracuse after three seasons. According to Thamel, White had multiple offers since the end of the season.
White came to the Orange after the 2019 season from Arizona State where he was also the defensive coordinator and secondary coach. He had worked at UCLA in 2007 as a graduate assistant with SU head coach Dino Babers. In 2020, he was listed as one of the highest-paid employees by the university, with a compensation package worth $711,420 and a base salary of $641,965, making him one of the highest-paid football assistants in the country.
White brought the 3-3-5 defense to Syracuse in 2020 and turned the unit into one of the top defenses in the Atlantic Coast Conference. In 2022, the defense held teams to 22.7 points per game while garnering 10 interceptions and 30 sacks. Despite losing starters Terry Lockett, Stefon Thompson and Garrett Williams to season-ending injuries at various points this season, the defense still held five teams to 20 points or fewer.
He made a name for himself throughout his nine years at San Diego State under defensive guru Rocky Long. White started as a cornerbacks coach and within two years was the team’s recruiting coordinator. He was named the Scout.com Mountain West Recruiter of the Year twice in 2011 and 2013. White was also a linebacker’s coach for one season at New Mexico State. The Orange will begin their third search for a defensive coordinator since 2015.
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