Florida State head coach Mike Norvell has made another bold move by hiring Tony White, the former Nebraska defensive coordinator, to lead the Seminoles’ defense. White’s reputation as one of college football’s top defensive minds follows an impressive stint at Nebraska, where he spent the past two seasons coordinating the Blackshirt defense.
Prior to Nebraska, White earned Broyles Award nominations in 2022 and 2023 for his work at Syracuse. Known for his strong recruiting and player development, White is highly respected both on and off the field. His defensive schemes, particularly his use of the 3-3-5 formation, are designed to create confusion for offensive lines while maximizing defensive flexibility. The formation, popularized by his mentor Rocky Long, is a unique strategy that keeps opponents guessing and allows defenders to capitalize on mismatches.
Under White’s leadership, Nebraska’s defense has ranked among the nation’s top 25 in total defense for the past four seasons. In 2023, the Cornhuskers finished 21st in total defense, 17th in rushing defense, and 20th in scoring defense. White’s first season at Nebraska saw significant improvements, with the defense ranking among the nation’s five most-improved units in rushing defense and total defense, and the team allowed fewer than 20 points per game.
Before Nebraska, White turned Syracuse into one of the nation’s top defenses, with the team dramatically improving its defensive rankings, moving up 93 spots in total defense between 2020 and 2021. Under White, Syracuse was one of only 12 teams to rank in the top 25 in total defense in both 2021 and 2022.
White’s arrival at Florida State signals Norvell’s continued commitment to building a strong, competitive team capable of competing at the highest level.
