In this ever more volatile world of college football, change is expected, but no matter how expected, change can still hurt.
It was announced Monday afternoon that Nebraska Defensive Coordinator, Tony White, has signed a deal with the Florida State Seminoles. A move from White does not come as a shock, given there were teams in the market for him this time last year, but the strange part of the departure is the job he accepted is not a Head Coaching position. White will remain a Defensive Coordinator with the Seminoles.
Losing White is a blow to the team, but losing him in this fashion raises some eyebrows. White has his reasons, I’m sure, but that’s what’s concerning. Is Florida State really a step up from Nebraska? Are there internal issues with the program that the public is not aware of? Did it all just have to do with money? Or, does Tony White just really not like the snow?
At the end of the day, there were reasons White made his decision to move on. Now, Nebraska must do the same.
The easiest person to point to when it comes to who will replace White, is Defensive Backs Coach, John Butler.
Butler arrived at Nebraska just before the start of the season, filling the vacant role of Defensive Backs Coach. Butler had previously coached Defensive Backs for the Buffalo Bills, and it was known that his reason for leaving Buffalo was that he was not promoted to Defensive Coordinator when the job became open. It would only make sense, at the very least, that Butler would take interest in the job. Only time will tell, but it would be assumed that Head Coach Matt Rhule would name an interim for the time being in the next couple days.
Tony White is not the only confirmed departure on the day for Nebraska football. Players Vincent Jackson, Gabe Ervin Jr., and Jimari Butler all entered their names in the transfer portal. The only real surprise here is Jimari Butler. Last week, Butler announced his intention to stay with the team for a 6th season. It’s not confirmed, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the decision by Tony White has anything to do with Butler’s change of mind.
All Nebraska can do now, and moving forward, is wish the best of luck and say their goodbyes. This is just the start of what will most definitely be a tumultuous next nine months.
