The Florida State Seminoles have emerged as one of the top teams in the country, and that has created interest in defensive coordinator Tony White, who played for and started his coaching career with the UCLA Bruins, who are looking for a head coach.
It’s not the first time he has been connected to his alma mater. He actually interviewed for the job the last time they were looking for a head coach. However, he made it clear on Sunday that he has not been contacted by them and is focused on leading FSU’s defense.
“I haven’t been contacted,” he said. “So there is no other job. There is no other privilege greater than the one I have right now, leading these guys on defense, being with Coach Norvell and the guy who gave me a chance, Mr. Alford.”
He is more comfortable this time around with handling the tricky situation and has made it clear to his friends not to discuss UCLA’s opening with him.
“I’m not going to fall in that trap again,” he said. “Like we got one of the best offenses in the country coming in here. I get text messages, ‘Hey…’ ‘I’m like, bro, leave me alone. Like, leave me alone.’ I’ve been here before.”
White did admit he joined a Zoom call that ended up being full of Bruins, but he did not realize that was what it was about and quickly left once he realized what they were discussing. Saying he spent “about 30 seconds” on it.
White’s defense will look to keep its excellent start to the season going during Friday’s game against the Virginia Cavaliers in Charlottesville. The game is set to start at 7 p.m. ET and will be on ESPN. Virginia is second in the ACC in points per game (45.5), yards per game (564.5), and is 3-0 at home this season.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Tony White has not been contacted by UCLA, is focused on Virginia
Reporting by JD McCarthy, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
