Ex-Illini Head Coach Mike White Dies at 85

Mike White, former head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini football team, passed away at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His coaching career greatly impacted Illinois football, helping to revitalize the program during his tenure from 1980 to 1987.

Mike White’s Coaching Legacy

White took the helm of the Fighting Illini in December 1979. He aimed to make football exciting for fans once more. In his first game against Northwestern, he called for an audacious play that ignited the crowd, despite the pass falling incomplete.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Under his leadership, the Illini achieved a record of 47 wins, 41 losses, and 3 ties. White led the team to three bowl games:

• 1982 Liberty Bowl: The team finished with a 7-5 record, facing Alabama in Bear Bryant’s last game.
• 1984 Rose Bowl: A highlight of White’s career, the Illini went 10-1 that season and won the Big Ten with a perfect 9-0 record.
• 1985 Peach Bowl: The team ended the season with a respectable 6-4-1 record.

The 1983 Illinois squad remains unique as the only team in Big Ten history to defeat all conference opponents in a single season, contributing to White’s accolades, including Walter Camp Coach of the Year and Big Ten Coach of the Year in 1983.

Contributions to Illinois Football

White’s coaching style transformed the team’s offensive strategy, incorporating the West Coast Offense. He mentored exceptional quarterbacks such as Dave Wilson, Tony Eason, and Jack Trudeau. He also coached David Williams, the all-time leading receiver for Illinois, who holds multiple school records for receptions and receiving yards.

Beyond Illinois

Before his time with the Illini, White was head coach at the University of California from 1972 to 1977. He led California to a Pac-8 championship in 1975 with a remarkable offense averaging 459 yards per game. Later in his career, he also coached the Oakland Raiders from 1995 to 1996.

In addition to his collegiate coaching, White contributed to the St. Louis Rams’ Super Bowl victory in the 1999 season as an offensive staff member.

Mike White’s influence on football extended beyond wins and losses. His exciting and innovative approach left an indelible mark on college football, particularly in the Big Ten, and he will be remembered for his contributions to the game.