White wants to stay on Florida's staff after Gator Bowl regardless of his role
Wednesday, December 21, 2011 | General, Football, Scott Carter
In his three seasons as a UF assistant coach, Brian White has served two seasons as tight ends coach and just finished his first season as running backs coach. He was hired by Urban Meyer and retained by Will Muschamp.
White is also considered one of the Gators' top recruiters and a favorite among the players, helping Gators running back Chris Rainey earn Team MVP honors this season.
With the departure of Charlie Weis, White added the title of interim offensive coordinator to his résumé as the Gators prepare to face Ohio State in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 2.
Muschamp said White is being considered for the job. White said Tuesday that even if he doesn't get it, he wants to stay at UF.
“I'd be happy to be here,” White said. “I'd be happy to be part of this organization in any capacity every day I can be a part of it. My family loves it here. I love it here. Any opportunity to help this program get better in any way I'd be happy to be part of.''
White reeled off several factors that make UF a great place to work, including the program's success the past 25 years, the weather, the recruiting pool and the UF campus and student body.
In his 25 seasons as an assistant coach, White has been an offensive coordinator for nine of those, seven at Wisconsin (1999-2005) and in 2006 and '07 at Syracuse. In his first season as Wisconsin's offensive coordinator, the Badgers finished 10th in the country in scoring, setting a school record.
“I've always enjoyed it. It's always a great experience to be able to put together a game plan with your coaches,” White said. “It's always a collaborative effort. It's fun to be able to play chess. Football is nothing but a game of violent chess, and the best part is that we as coaches don't have to take any of the hits.”
As for what many consider a one-game audition to replace Weis, White has a different view.
“Every day is an audition for the job that you have,'' he said. “I learned a long time ago: Do a great job with the job that you have and don't worry about doing anything except the best job you can do with the resources you have and good things will happen.''
