Scott White: A Biography of a Rising Football Coach
Scott White has established himself as a prominent figure in college football coaching, demonstrating his expertise in developing linebackers and special teams. His career trajectory reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for the sport, marked by significant achievements at various institutions, including UCLA and San Jose State University.
Early Career and University of Washington
Before embarking on his coaching journey, White was a four-year starter on the University of Washington football teams from 2003 to 2006.
Coaching at UCLA
White's coaching career began to take shape at UCLA, where he served on the football coaching staff for four seasons, primarily as a defensive quality control coach. His contributions were recognized when he was promoted to Linebackers & Special Teams coach, filling the vacancy created after Coach Mike Tuiasosopo's departure.
During his time at UCLA, White demonstrated a keen ability to develop top-tier talent. He coached several notable linebackers who went on to achieve significant success in the NFL. Eric Kendricks, a 2019 first-team All-Pro with the Minnesota Vikings, won the 2014 Butkus Award and Lott Impact Trophy. In 2013, Myles Jack, now a linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars, became the first player in Pac-12 Conference history to be named the conference's "Freshman of the Year" on both offense and defense. Anthony Barr, a first-round draft choice for the Minnesota Vikings in 2014, earned first-team All-America honors and was a finalist for the 2013 Butkus Award.
As a special teams coordinator at UCLA, White also played a crucial role in the development of Ka'imi Fairbairn, the 2015 Lou Groza Collegiate Placekicking Award winner and current placekicker for the Houston Texans.
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San Jose State University
White joined San Jose State University (SJSU) in 2018 as a football staff analyst. His impact was quickly recognized, leading to his promotion to linebackers coach for the 2019 season. In 2020, he took on additional responsibilities as the special teams coordinator.
Linebackers Coaching
Since taking over the linebackers, White has consistently produced outstanding players. Ethan Aguayo was named a 2019 second-team All-Mountain West selection, and Kyle Harmon earned first-team All-Mountain West honors in both 2020 and 2021. In 2021, Harmon led the nation in total tackles (121) and was fourth nationally in tackles per game (11.0). In 2022, Harmon again led the team with 102 tackles in just 12 games, earning All-Mountain West First Team honors.
Special Teams Coordination
As the special teams coordinator, White has transformed San Jose State's special teams units into formidable assets. In 2021, the Spartans were tied for fourth nationally with four blocked kicks (combined field goal and point after touchdown attempts) and tied for 12th in total blocks (combined blocked kicks plus punts blocked) with five. The Spartans' punt return coverage ranked 14th, allowing only 3.36 yards per return. Opponents returned just 11 of 63 punts, with no return longer than 15 yards. San Jose State ranked second in the Mountain West and 34th nationally in kickoff return coverage and was 33rd in net punting, averaging 41.27 yards per punt. Punter Will Hart averaged 44.1 yards per punt prior to the November 25 regular-season finale hosting Fresno State.
2022 Season
In 2022, White continued his role as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator. Defensively, the Spartans led the Mountain West in sacks with 39 while playing in a conference low 12 games and finished fifth in the nation averaging 3.27 sacks per game. SJSU also finished averaging 7.4 tackles for loss per game which led the Mountain West and was good for eighth in the country.
Broyles Award Nomination
In 2021, White's coaching prowess was nationally recognized when he was nominated for the Broyles Award, an annual honor recognizing the top NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Division I assistant coach. He was one of 59 nominees for the prestigious award.
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Coaching Philosophy and Impact
Scott White's coaching philosophy emphasizes player development, strategic innovation, and a commitment to excellence. His ability to mentor and develop players into top performers, both on and off the field, has earned him respect among his peers and players alike. His impact is evident in the success of his players at both UCLA and San Jose State, as well as in the consistent improvement of the teams' defensive and special teams performance.
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