Howard University officially introduced alumnus Ted White as the new football head coach today, combining the history and vision for the future of the university’s athletics in a press conference.
White started his speech overcome with emotion, stating, “I’m home.”
This is White’s return to The Mecca after a record-setting collegiate career as a quarterback from 1995-1999. During this time he earned the titles of 1996 Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) Offensive Player of the Year and Black College Football Player of the Year. White is Howard’s all-time leader in passing, 9,808 yards, 639 completions, 92 touchdowns and total offenses, according to Howard University Athletics.
After graduating in 1998, White went on to play professionally in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to HUBison. Following that, he played in the Canadian Football League and NFL Europe.
In more than two decades of leadership experience as a coach at Division I programs, including institutions such as UCLA, University of Maryland and HBCUs including Howard University, Southern University and A&M College, Texas Southern University, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and Prairie View A&M University, he showcased investment in player development, particularly at the quarterback and offensive coordination level.
“I’ve been in some of the best programs and stages of football. And yet, no matter where I’ve coached and where I’ve competed, Howard has always been home,” White said. “Now returning, not just to coach football, but to help continue and elevate a legacy.”
He continued to speak on the legacy of success at Howard. For White, the main mission is for the football team to follow that precedent with the philosophy of “Win 360,” which means for each student to win academically, as a student-athlete, professionally and personally in character, leadership and accountability. He called on students, faculty and staff to show support by donating, attending games, servicing through mentorship and remaining engaged.
“One of my core commitments is every single player in our program will have someone as an HU alumni mentor,” White said. “Someone who’s walked the halls, someone who understands the responsibility and the privilege of being Howard made. Someone who helps reinforce culture, accountability and vision.”
Interim President Wayne A. I. Frederick opened the stage, welcoming White back to the institution.
“One of the things that Coach White impressed me [with] was his dedication around making sure that we had the right culture,” Frederick said. “Winning is a byproduct of all the things that you need to do to get there, and he certainly spoke very highly on those types of attributes as we were going through our process.”
Vice President of Athletics Kery Davis followed Frederick’s speech, highlighting their committed search for a coach in alignment with the university’s academic mission, culture and long-term vision for the success of the young men who come through Howard’s football program.
“We saw a leader who met the highest standards, someone with proven coaching experience, a commitment to student athlete development and a deep understanding of what it means to lead at an HBCU,” Davis said.
White continued to speak to high school prospects, current players and athletes in the transfer portal who are searching for elite education, national exposure, professional development and a strong Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) infrastructure.
He highlights the Howard University football program as a pipeline for athletes to be a part of something bigger than themselves.
“This is not a rebuild,” White concluded. “This is a reawakening.”
Copy edited by Daryl Ramon Thomas Jr.
