Social media reacts to rumors of defensive coordinator Tony White to UCLA
The fallout continues following Friday’s news that UCLA head coach Chip Kelly would be stepping down to accept the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State. Bruin’s AD Martin Jarmond has confirmed that a national search will be conducted, and a new head coach is expected to be named by early next week.
“It is imperative that we support our student-athletes and put them in the best position to succeed. UCLA is a special place, and we are confident we will find a leader for our football program who develops young men on and off the field and embodies our True Bruin Values.”
One name that has already become popular on social media is Nebraska defensive coordinator Tony White. In his first season in Lincoln, the Nebraska defense had one of their best seasons in years.
Under White, the team finished 14th nationally in total defense, their best finish since 2010. The Huskers also held opponents to 14 points or fewer in eight games last season and placed 17th in scoring defense at 18.3 points per game.
He also recently renegotiated his contract, which increased his salary from $1 million to $1.6 million. During the offseason, he received head coaching interest from San Diego State and even received a look from USC in what would have been a lateral move to defensive coordinator.
White has connections to the UCLA football program as he played for the Bruins from 1997 to 2000, where he was a three-year starter. He also started as a coach at his alma mater, UCLA, as a grad assistant.
Find social media reactions to the rumors of Tony White to UCLA below.
Is he a target?
Will Tony White be a target for UCLA’s HC vacancy?#UCLA is Tony White’s alma mater😬
📸 @HuskersMN pic.twitter.com/LQfc2mf0zt
— 247Huskers (@247Huskers) February 9, 2024
Protect Tony White mode
We are once again in a “protect Tony White” mode.
Don’t let UCLA steal him. He’s home.
— 🌽 BigRedKorner 🌽 (@KadeLight57) February 9, 2024
Give him a call
Former UCLA defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn and Nebraska defensive coordinator (and UCLA alum) Tony White would be the first two names I’d call if I was UCLA: pic.twitter.com/wsAYGGJVk1
— James H. Williams covers UCLA football (@JHWreporter) February 9, 2024
UCLA doesn't really want Tony White... right?
Friendly reminder to UCLA that Tony White is terrible and your program would most likely implode if you hired him.
It’d be smart to stay away and save your program.
— Mike 🌽 (@HuskerMike28) February 9, 2024
The case for Tony White
The case for Tony White from UCLA writer: pic.twitter.com/R2zHMQmoXS
— Jim in MN (@HuskersMN) February 9, 2024
Should be looked at
Current head coaches that could be solid hires for #UCLA:
– Matt Campbell
– Jason CandleCurrent coordinators that should be looked at:
– Tony White
– Brian Hartline
– Glenn SchumannNo-go territory:
– David Shaw
– Justin Wilcox
– Tom Herman
– PJ Fleck— Bruin Source (@BruinSource) February 9, 2024
Rank the candidates
Ranking coaching candidates:
**Sure, yes, let's, why not**
Tony White
Jason Candle
Matt Campbell
Me, you, whoever**Meh, I'd rather not**
PJ Fleck**I'd rather swallow my tongue**
David Shaw— David Woods (@daviddavidwoods) February 9, 2024
Building a staff
Tony White HC, Brennan Marion OC. Let's cook. https://t.co/UMR27cX4lq
— Michael Hanna (@MichaelMHanna) February 9, 2024
UCLA Job Profile (subscription required)
🔵 The UCLA Job Profile
It's a Big Ten job, it's in California, but financial issues and a lack of NIL make a tough situation.
PJ Fleck, David Shaw, D'Anton Lynn, DeShaun Foster, Tony White and more potential names to watch: https://t.co/clRQZN3dbEhttps://t.co/clRQZN3dbE
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) February 9, 2024
Potential names
Here is a list of potential names I've seen or heard thrown out there for the #UCLA football job
-Tony White (former UCLA LB/ Current Neb DC)
-Tommy Rees (@latsondheimer)
-Tom Herman (@BruinReport)
-Eric Bieniemy (former UCLA assist)
-P.J. Fleck (@Brett_McMurphy)— Tim Cates (@timcates) February 9, 2024
Good option
Tony White is a good option for UCLA. https://t.co/7wMsf890bu
— JNav (@jnavla) February 9, 2024
List of candidates
UCLA Head Coaching Candidates
1. D’Anton Lynn
2. Barry Odom
3. Tony White
4. Will Stein
5. PJ Fleck
6. Matt Campbell
7. Ryan Grubb
8. Jamey Chadwell
9. Pete Carroll
10. Dan Mullen— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) February 9, 2024
Get ready
And this is when Nebraska fans pucker up. Tony White is a former UCLA player and should be a strong candidate for this job. https://t.co/x2bAm40IB7
— Jason Rahn (Colton's Dad) (@CPbloggerdad) February 9, 2024
In the mix
And there it is: #Huskers DC Tony White's name is back in the mix for a head coaching gig. He's mentioned here among 15 initial coaches to track as UCLA begins its search. https://t.co/MrBzw0sQv5
— Zack Carpenter (@Zack_Carp) February 9, 2024
It's official
Ohio State has made the hire of Chip Kelly as OC/QBs coach official. Kelly is getting a three-year deal.
Statement from Ryan Day: pic.twitter.com/HoPbFqZEJr
— Matt Fortuna (@Matt_Fortuna) February 10, 2024
Be careful
How much must the UCLA job suck for a big time HC like Kelley to just up and leave for an OC job?
Never seen that happen before
All I'm going to say is Tony White better be very careful if he's even considering the job
— Jeff Gambino (@Husker_AustinTX) February 10, 2024
Long term head coach
Tony White makes the most sense for UCLA if they want to find their long term head coach
— Ryan Schoenke (@RSchoenke) February 10, 2024
First name up
Pass on David Shaw. Give me some combo of Tony White and Foster if possible. then Chadwell, Herman
— CK (@ck49) February 10, 2024
Due diligence
If I'm UCLA, I'm doing my diligence on Rhett Lashlee, Jesse Minter, Ryan Grubb, Tony White, Ryan Grubb, Brian Johnson, Jason Candle, and D'Anton Lynn.
— But then again, who does? (@whodoesblog) February 10, 2024
Clear cut No. 1
These are the candidates who should be at the top of UCLA's list:
-Tony White (he is my clear #1)
-Will Stein
-Brian Hartline
-Glenn Schumann
-Ryan Grubb @UCLAAthletics, @UCLAFootball, @MartinJarmond, @UCLAchancellor… please hire one of these up-and-coming candidates. https://t.co/DQk48guW13— Peter Eric (@4thGenBruin) February 9, 2024
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