Mike White, 89, former college and NFL coach, died Sunday in Newport Beach.
Early Life and College Playing
White was a four‑sport student‑athlete at the University of California in the 1950s. He later served as an assistant coach at Cal and rival Stanford before earning the head‑coaching job at his alma mater in 1972.
College Coaching at Cal
White’s tenure at Cal lasted six seasons, during which he compiled a 35‑30‑1 record. The 1975 season was the high point, as the Bears finished tied with UCLA for first place in the Pac‑8, earning him the coach‑of‑the‑year award. The offense featured future NFL stars Chuck Muncie and quarterback Joe Roth.
He also coached quarterback Steve Bartkowski, who later became the No. 1 overall pick in the 1975 NFL draft.
NFL Coaching
White left college for the NFL, spending two seasons as an offensive line coach with the San Francisco 49ers. After a stint back in college, he returned to the NFL in 1990 as an assistant with the Oakland Raiders.
In 1995, White was promoted to Raiders head coach. Over two seasons he posted a 15‑17 record before being dismissed after the 1996 campaign.
White also worked as an assistant for the 49ers and joined Dick Vermeil’s staff with the St. Louis Rams, helping the team win the Super Bowl after the 1999 season.
Illinois Tenure
White returned to college coaching in 1980, taking the helm at the University of Illinois. He led the Illini to a 47‑41‑3 record and three bowl appearances, including a loss in the 1984 Rose Bowl to UCLA.
The 1983 Illinois squad went 9‑0 in the Big Ten, becoming the only team in conference history to defeat every other opponent in a single season.
Legacy
White’s career spanned both college and professional football, with achievements ranging from a shared Pac‑8 title to a Super Bowl‑winning coaching staff.
Quote
Burl Toler Jr., a linebacker who played at Cal under White from 1974‑77, said: “Mike was special. He treated us like men and with a lot of respect. Mike was a very gifted and smart coach who loved Cal and loved being a coach, and he surrounded himself with a lot of like minds who instilled in us a will to succeed.”
Key Takeaways
- Mike White died at 89 in Newport Beach.
- He guided Cal to a Pac‑8 title share in 1975 and Illinois to a 9‑0 Big Ten season in 1983.
- His NFL career included roles with the 49ers, Raiders (head coach 1995‑96), and Rams (Super Bowl 1999).
Closing
White’s impact on the game will be remembered by players, coaches, and fans who witnessed his dedication on both sides of the ball.
Morgan J. Carter is a Texas-based journalist covering breaking news, local government, public safety, and community developments across Austin. With more than six years of reporting experience, Morgan focuses on delivering accurate, clear, and timely stories that reflect the fast-moving pulse of the city.
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