FSU's Tony White Responds to UCLA Head Coaching Rumors

Florida State’s Tony White Stays Focused on Seminoles Amid UCLA Speculation

Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White has long been a name associated with college football coaching opportunities. Over the years, he has found himself in the conversation for various head coaching positions, including a notable stint two years ago when he was linked to the UCLA Bruins. At that time, the program ultimately hired DeShaun Foster, who was recently fired, reigniting discussions about White’s potential return to Westwood.

White’s connection to UCLA runs deep. He was a three-year starter for the team during his playing days and later served as a graduate assistant in 2007. This history makes the speculation about him being a candidate for the head coaching position all the more intriguing. However, White has made it clear that his focus remains firmly on Florida State and the upcoming 2025 season.

Addressing the Rumors Head-On

During a recent interview, White addressed the rumors surrounding the UCLA job. He confirmed that the university's administration has not reached out to him, and he emphasized that he is content with his current role at Florida State. “The first time that came up a couple of years ago [UCLA interest] and I didn't know how to handle it,” White said. “The first time anything comes up like that, you don't know how to handle it, so you're all giddy, and you're trying to juggle two things at once.”

He added, “That has nothing to do with now. I have not been contacted, I have not been nothing. There is no other job, there is no other privilege, greater than the one I have right now. Leading these guys on defense, being with coach Norvell, the guy who gave me a chance, and Mr. Alford.”

Staying Grounded and Focused

White also shared his thoughts on the noise surrounding his potential move. He admitted that he receives messages and updates from people, but he insists on staying focused on the task at hand. “There is nothing until there's something, so I'm not going to fall in that trap again. We've got one of the best offenses in the country coming in here,” he said.

Despite the speculation, White remained grounded. He even confirmed an earlier report from The Athletic that he joined a Zoom call with UCLA alumni. However, he quickly ended the call when he realized what was happening. “Somebody told me, I jumped on a Zoom call. I got a Zoom call, I didn't know what it was about. I see 200 Bruins on there. They start talking about it. I'm at family dinner. I'm like, 'Hey, I'm not supposed to be on here. Got to go. Got to get ready to beat Kent State's tail. See ya.' That was it. All of about 30 seconds on that thing.”

A Rising Star in College Football

Under the leadership of head coach Mike Norvell, White has helped develop a strong defensive unit at Florida State. Norvell has a track record of producing successful head coaches, including Dan Lanning at Oregon and Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State. It’s no surprise that many believe White is next in line for a head coaching opportunity.

However, for now, White is committed to his role at Florida State. “Tell you what, I know there's a lot of things going on there, but it's just a testament to the things we're doing under coach Norvell and what he's done and the chance he's given me to come over and execute my responsibilities,” he said.

Defensive Improvements and Future Outlook

Early in the 2025 season, Florida State has shown significant improvements on defense. The team is allowing just 248 yards of total offense and ten points per game, marking a stark contrast from last year. Fans are hopeful that this momentum continues, and that White remains with the program for the foreseeable future.

As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on White and his ability to lead the Seminoles' defense. While the possibility of a future move to another program may still exist, for now, his focus is on making Florida State a dominant force in college football.