A Bison Comes Home: Ted White Named Head Coach of Howard Football

Today, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim president and president emeritus of Howard University, and Kery Davis, vice president and director of athletics, announced the appointment of Ted White (B.A.’98) as the university’s new head football coach.

In an emotional press conference attended by his family, former teammates and NFL legend and mentor Doug Wiliams, White shared his vision for the program and his excitement over returning to the Mecca.

One of the most decorated student-athletes in Howard University and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) history, White returns to Howard with two decades of collegiate and professional coaching experience and a deep understanding of what it means to lead at Howard.

“Howard University is the institution that shaped me — as a student-athlete and as a man,” White said. “Being Howard Made taught me discipline, accountability and pride and what it means to represent something bigger than yourself. Howard stands for excellence, purpose, and possibility. And it is my belief that our football program should reflect and reinforce that.”

White, the starting quarterback from 1995 to 1999 who still holds program records, brings a résumé that includes coaching experience in the NFL, NCAA Division I programs, and historically Black colleges and universities. Most recently, he was an offensive assistant at the University of Maryland and quarterbacks coach at UCLA following a stint as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach with the NFL’s Houston Texans. His career reflects a consistent commitment to developing quarterbacks, building competitive offenses, and mentoring student athletes for success on and off the field.

“Howard University seeks leaders who understand that excellence in athletics is inseparable from excellence in academics, character, and service,” said Frederick. “Coach White’s commitment to student success, leadership development, and competitive integrity aligns with our values as an institution. We look forward to the impact he will have on our student-athletes and on the Howard University community.”

Davis emphasized White’s alignment with the University’s long-term vision for sustained success.

“Coach Ted White represents everything we value in a leader at Howard University — integrity, discipline, vision, and an unwavering commitment to developing young men,” Davis said. “Throughout our national search, it was clear that his philosophy aligned with our mission and our aspirations for excellence. We are excited to welcome him and his family back to The Mecca and look forward to an exciting 2026 season and beyond.”

A Legacy Rooted in Excellence

White’s playing career at Howard remains one of the most accomplished in MEAC history. He set conference career records for passing yards (9,808), passing touchdowns (92), and completions, earning first-team Division I-AA All-America honors twice and being named MEAC Player of the Year and Black College Football Player of the Year in 1996. His impact helped define an era of Bison football excellence.

Following his professional playing career — which included stops in the NFL, NFL Europe, and the Canadian Football League — White transitioned seamlessly into coaching, holding leadership roles at Texas Southern, Southern University, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Prairie View A&M, and his alma mater, Howard University. During his previous tenure at Howard (2011-2015), the Bison recorded their first winning season in a decade and ranked among the MEAC’s top offenses.

Building the Future

White arrives in Washington, D.C., with a reputation as a strong recruiter, culture builder, and mentor. He is known for emphasizing accountability, academic achievement, and competitive excellence while preparing student athletes for life beyond football.

“I am deeply honored to be named head football coach at Howard University,” White said. “Howard is more than a university — it is a legacy. I am committed to building a program rooted in discipline, unity, and pride, while competing at the highest level. Our student-athletes will be developed as leaders, scholars, and champions who represent this institution with distinction.”

White assumes leadership of a program that continues to elevate its national profile, highlighted by consecutive MEAC championships in 2023 and 2024, a Celebration Bowl appearance in 2024, and an Orange Blossom Classic win over Florida A&M University in 2025.

Doug Williams, who made history in 1987 when he became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, has known White since he was a child. In fact, it was Williams who encouraged White to attend Howard. The two — both star quarterbacks for their respective colleges — have maintained a close relationship over the years, and Williams, who played for and coached at Grambling State University, has been proud to see White’s growth and career success.

“The most important thing for me has been seeing a young man keep going forward. I’ve never seen a guy who was more committed than Ted White,” said Williams, who is now the special adviser to the general manager for the Washington Commanders. “When this job came open, there wasn’t a person on earth who deserved the position more than Ted. I’m just happy to be here and be able to see him begin this new chapter.”

Ed Hill served as the sports information director at Howard during White’s playing career and believes the hire is exactly what is needed for Howard University football to go to the next level.

“Ted White was special the moment he stepped on the field at Howard — not just because of the records, but because of the command, poise, and leadership he brought to the huddle,” Hill said. “To see him return to Howard as head coach is especially meaningful to me. He understands the standard, the culture, and the responsibility that comes with wearing Howard across your chest. This is a full-circle moment for the University and for a program that shaped — and was shaped by — Ted White.”

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