Howard's Prodigal Son: Ted White Returns to Lead Bison Football

WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 14, 2026 – Howard University has officially heralded the return of a legend, naming decorated alumnus and record-setting quarterback Ted White as the new head coach of its football program. The announcement, made today by interim president Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick and athletic director Kery Davis, marks a pivotal moment for the Bison, blending a celebrated past with an ambitious future.

White, a 1998 graduate whose name still dominates the university and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) record books, returns to “The Mecca” with a formidable resume forged over two decades in the collegiate and professional coaching ranks. His appointment is not merely a nostalgic homecoming but a strategic move by a university intent on building upon its recent gridiron success and elevating its national stature.

“I am deeply honored to be named head football coach at Howard University,” White stated. “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.”

A Full-Circle Moment for a Bison Legend

For many in the Howard community, White’s return is the culmination of a journey that began when he first stepped onto the field as a quarterback from 1995 to 1999. During his illustrious playing career, he rewrote the definition of offensive excellence, setting MEAC career records for passing yards (9,808), passing touchdowns (92), and completions. His leadership earned him two first-team Division I-AA All-America selections and saw him named MEAC Player of the Year and Black College Football Player of the Year in 1996.

The sentiment was perfectly captured by Ed Hill, who served as Howard’s sports information director during White’s playing days.

“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 recalled. “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.”

This deep-rooted understanding of the program's culture is seen as an invaluable asset. White previously coached at his alma mater from 2011 to 2015, helping guide the Bison to their first winning season in a decade and overseeing one of the MEAC’s top offenses.

Forging a New Standard with Elite Experience

Beyond the powerful narrative of his return, White brings a wealth of high-level coaching experience that signals Howard's strategic ambitions. His most recent roles placed him at the highest echelons of the sport, including a stint as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach with the NFL's Houston Texans. He also served as the quarterbacks coach at UCLA in 2024, where he managed a large quarterback room and focused on player development in situational football, and as an offensive assistant at the University of Maryland.

This blend of NFL and Power Five conference experience provides Howard with a leader versed in the latest offensive schemes, recruiting strategies, and player development techniques. It's a move that aligns with a broader trend across HBCU football, where institutions are making increasingly ambitious hires to compete for top talent and national recognition. White’s appointment is a clear statement that Howard intends not only to dominate the MEAC but also to make its presence felt on a larger collegiate stage.

“Throughout our national search, it was clear that his philosophy aligned with our mission and our aspirations for excellence,” said Kery Davis, vice president and director of athletics. “We are excited to welcome him and his family back to The Mecca and look forward to an exciting 2026 season and beyond.”

Building on a Championship Foundation

White doesn't inherit a rebuilding project; he takes the helm of a program on a significant upward trajectory. The Bison are coming off a period of notable success, having secured consecutive MEAC championships in 2023 and 2024, which included a Celebration Bowl appearance in 2024. The team continued its momentum with a hard-fought victory over rival Florida A&M University in the 2025 Orange Blossom Classic.

The challenge for White will be to sustain this championship level while navigating an increasingly competitive landscape. The 2026 schedule already signals the program's high aspirations, featuring marquee matchups like the SWAC/MEAC Classic against Alabama A&M University and a formidable road test against Big Ten opponent Indiana University. These games provide a national platform for White to showcase a program he is determined to build into a perennial powerhouse.

This momentum is bolstered by the university's broader commitment to growth. In 2022, Howard announced a historic $785 million investment in campus-wide construction and renovations, a plan that includes significant upgrades to its athletic facilities. This institutional backing provides a solid foundation for the athletic department's ambitions and reinforces the message that football is a cornerstone of the university's vision for the future.

More Than a Game: A Vision for Scholar-Athletes

Central to the announcement was the emphasis on White’s alignment with Howard’s core values, which extend far beyond the football field. University leadership stressed the importance of developing student-athletes who excel not only in competition but also in the classroom and the community.

“Howard University seeks leaders who understand that excellence in athletics is inseparable from excellence in academics, character, and service,” said Dr. Frederick. “Coach White’s commitment to student success, leadership development, and competitive integrity aligns with our values as an institution.”

This philosophy is at the heart of White’s own mission. In an era defined by the transfer portal and Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, his focus on mentorship and holistic development is more critical than ever. He aims to prepare his players for life beyond football, instilling principles that will serve them long after their athletic careers conclude.

“Our student-athletes will be developed as leaders, scholars, and champions who represent this institution with distinction,” White affirmed. His appointment is a testament to Howard’s belief that a legendary player who embodies its highest ideals is the perfect leader to guide the next generation of Bison.