Early Favorite Emerges For UCLA Head Coaching Vacancy With Analyst Now Weighing Options

Is it a great day to be alive and to be a Bruin?

Athletic director Martin Jarmond now leads the search for a successor, but skepticism surrounds the opening. One industry source told On3 Sports:

“Next coach? A better story is who would take that job? Chip [Kelly] ran for a reason. Terrible administration, no resources, they’re getting crushed, no NIL & currently no chance to compete in Big Ten football.”

Still, UCLA’s prestige, location, and recruiting reach ensure the vacancy will attract candidates. Among them, one name has quickly emerged as the early favorite: Florida State defensive coordinator Tony White.

Why Tony White Fits the Bruins

White, a UCLA alum and former Bruins linebacker, has steadily built a reputation as one of the nation’s sharpest defensive minds. His coaching résumé includes stops at San Diego State, Arizona State, Syracuse, and Nebraska, where his aggressive schemes helped vault the Huskers’ defense into the national top 20. His success landed him at Florida State, where he immediately made headlines in Week 1 this fall with a stifling defensive performance against Alabama.

White interviewed for the UCLA job during its last search in 2024. At the time, the process was widely criticized as “botched,” but reports indicated that White “absolutely would take the job if offered.” His ties to the program run deep: he was a three-year starter at linebacker (1997–2000), team captain in his senior season, and even began his coaching career in Westwood as a graduate assistant in 2008.

Rising Stock, Tough Questions

For Florida State, White’s growing profile is both a compliment and a concern. Head coach Mike Norvell addressed the speculation on Monday:

“I’m here to support them. I want coaches that desire for all. Same thing that I want for our players. I want to push all our coaches to aspire for growth, and hope they all get opportunities in the future that they then get to choose.”

Whether UCLA is willing to hand the reins to another alum without head coaching experience is an open question. The program’s NIL challenges and lack of institutional support complicate matters further. Yet White’s trajectory—proven results at multiple Power Four stops, ties to Southern California, and a reputation for innovation—make him an obvious candidate.

For the second time in as many years, UCLA finds itself searching for a reset. And once again, Tony White is near the top of the board.