Nebraska Huskers’ former defensive coordinator Tony White’s decision to join Florida State has left Husker fans perplexed. As a defensive mastermind, he was renowned for transforming Nebraska’s defense into an impenetrable force. Nebraska finished in the Top 20 in total yardage in both years that White was running the defense. That is, 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, defense carried the team and had the offense been a little better, it might have taken the team to a bowl game in Matt Rhule’s first season.

After the season, White’s name was in the rounds for a 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, saying he was encouraging him to accept a head coaching job if one came along. He must have been in sync with 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. Now, Nebraska Insider drops intel on White in the December 2 episode of the College Football Addiction along the same line.

Well, this might be the only win the Seminoles could register in their account, and even insider Wilson Dittman feels the same as he says, “It’s a blow for Nebraska. Tony White is one of the best defensive coordinators in college football. This is a guy who, when the Huskers hired him, they expected him to be a future head coach down the line. So, it is shocking from the angle that he’s taking another defensive coordinator job. Matt Rhule expected him to take a head coaching job. But yeah, one of the better defensive coordinators in college football.” 

Well, looks like Nebraska lost a gem who would have shaped their team quite efficiently in the long run. This season, the Cornhuskers ended the regular season ranked 14th in run defense, 23rd in yards per carry (3.49), and 19th in both scoring defense (19.8) and total defense (315.4). The Cornhuskers also have not allowed a rushing touchdown at Memorial Stadium all year. In 2023, the Cornhuskers were ranked in the top 15 nationally in rushing defense, total defense, and scoring defense.

White was one of the 57 assistant coordinators nominated for the Broyles Award for two consecutive years. Notably, White is not the first coach to leave Matt Rhule’s staff for FSU. Earlier this year, Phil Simpson, who played for Rhule at Temple, joined the Seminoles as a defensive coordinator after one year as a defensive quality control coach at NU. Is White also eyeing an HC job in the FSU? It would be interesting to watch how things unfold, but for now, Florida State would look to get rid of the misery of this season. Exactly how bad things are?

Will Tony White be able to turn Florida State’s fate?

FSU needed a defensive change after Adam Fuller’s firing. The Seminoles finished the season ranked 87th in the country in points allowed (28 per game) and 90th in total yards allowed per game (385 yards). They also struggled in third-down stops (111th nationally), creating takeaways (131st) and stopping the run (131st)

The team is currently standing on a 2-win, 10-loss record in the season, and the surprising thing is almost everyone is seeing a change except for head coach Mike Norvell, who should actually be made responsible for the whole misery the team is going through. But we can also not ignore the fact that the Seminoles have seen some of their best seasons under coach Norvell.

A year ago, the team won 13 games, and in 2022, Florida State won 10 games, which is one of the reasons why the team is still sticking with him. But some things really need a change, also knowing their poor hold over their defense; who is better than Tony White, who is not only experienced but also good at his job?

Last year, Nebraska’s defense was on a roll under him by holding their opponents to 303 yards per game. This could be a pivotal moment for Florida State. They faced difficulties with gameplay and consistency this year, but if things improve, they might return to their former glory. What are your thoughts on it?