Mike White, a respected figure across both college football and the NFL, passed away Sunday at the age of 89 in Newport Beach, California. His legacy stretches from the sidelines of storied college programs to the professional ranks, where he left a lasting mark as both a coach and mentor.
White's football journey began in Berkeley, where he starred as an end and halfback for Cal in the 1950s. That early connection to the Golden Bears would come full circle later in life, but first, he cut his teeth in coaching with a stint at rival Stanford before returning to his alma mater in 1972 as head coach.
During his time leading the Golden Bears, White helped bring Cal back into the national conversation. His 1975 squad finished tied for first in the Pac-8 after an 8-3 season-no small feat in a conference that was fiercely competitive at the time. He matched that 8-3 mark again in 1977 and wrapped up his Cal tenure with a 35-30-1 record, a solid run that set the stage for his next chapter.
That next stop came in the NFL, where White joined the San Francisco 49ers as an assistant coach for two seasons. But college football came calling again, this time from the Midwest.
From 1980 to 1987, White was at the helm at Illinois, guiding the Fighting Illini through a transformative period. His most memorable season came in 1983, when Illinois went 10-2, captured the Big Ten title, and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl.
He finished his time in Champaign with a 47-41-3 record, helping to elevate the program during a critical stretch in its history.
White’s NFL journey continued with the Los Angeles Raiders, where he served as an offensive assistant under Art Shell for five seasons. When the franchise returned to Oakland in 1995, White was promoted to head coach. He led the team for two seasons, compiling a 15-17 record during a transitional period for the organization.
The Raiders honored White’s passing in a statement, saying, “The Raiders family is saddened by the passing of Mike White, former head coach of the Silver and Black and a long-time NFL and college coach and mentor. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Mike’s family at this time.”
White’s final coaching role came with the St. Louis Rams, where he capped off his career by helping the team win a Super Bowl in 1999 as an offensive assistant. It was a fitting end to a career that spanned decades and touched nearly every level of the game.
Off the field, White remained involved in the sport he loved. He was a founding board member of the Lott IMPACT Trophy, an award recognizing college football’s top defensive player-named after Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott.
The organization paid tribute to White, saying, “The Lott IMPACT Trophy is saddened to learn of the passing of Mike White, an integral board member, who served as he coached, with fervor, determination and joy. We extend our condolences to his wife Marilyn and children Chris, Matt, and Carrie.”
Mike White’s impact on football went far beyond wins and losses. He was a builder, a teacher, and a leader who helped shape programs and players alike. His legacy endures in the lives he touched and the teams he helped mold.