Football Coach Mike White Passes Away at 89

Mike White, a well-respected football coach who had a notable career in both college football and the NFL, has passed away. He was 89 years old and died in Newport Beach, California.

The Raiders organization expressed their condolences, stating, “The Raiders family is saddened by the passing of Mike White, former Silver and Black head coach and longtime NFL and college coach and mentor. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Mike’s family.”

White coached the Raiders for seven seasons, two of which he served as head coach from 1995 to 1996. Prior to this, he held positions as quarterback and offensive line coach.

Interestingly, White’s coaching journey started quite early—at just 22 years of age—when he became the defensive line coach for the California Golden Bears in 1958, having been a four-sport athlete at the school in the 1950s.

After six years at Cal, he moved to Stanford University, taking on roles as both offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1964 to 1971. However, he returned to the Golden Bears later, stepping into the head coaching role from 1972 to 1977.

In 1978, White transitioned to the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent two years as the offensive line coach. Following that, he returned to college football, coaching the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1980 to 1987. After his time with the Raiders, he took a position as an offensive assistant with the St. Louis Rams.

White’s extensive career spanned five decades, leaving a lasting impact on countless coaches and players.

Burl Toler Jr., a former player for the Golden Bears from 1974 to 1977, remembered White fondly. “Mike was special. He treated us as people with so much respect. Mike was a very talented and smart coach who loved Cal and loved being a coach. He was surrounded by a lot of like-minded people and instilled in us the will to succeed,” he shared.