Nebraska Cornhuskers Restructure Defensive Coordinator Tony White’s Contract in $1.6 Million Deal After Best Husker Defense in Big Ten Era
The Nebraska Cornhuskers managed to retain well-respected defensive coordinator Tony White, who is coming off of Nebraska’s best defensive season in the Big Ten era, after restructuring his contract in a $1.6 million deal Friday. White’s salary has been increased to that $1.6 million for each of the two years he has left on his contract. White has been nominated for the Broyles award, which is given to the top assistant coach in the nation, in his first year with the Cornhuskers just as he was in his last year with the Syracuse Orange.
White’s undeniable improvement of Nebraska’s defense. made him a top candidate for teams like the San Diego State Aztecs and the Syracuse Orange. White was a part of the Aztecs’ staff from 2009-2017, and he also spent two years as the defensive coordinator for Syracuse.
Tony White turned the Nebraska Cornhuskers’ defense into a powerhouse in just one offseason
This year’s Cornhusker defense improved significantly after White’s arrival. Nebraska was first in overall improved defense in the Power five from 2022-2023. The Huskers went from being a bottom 15 overall defense to a top 15 overall defense as well as going from a bottom 10 rush defense to a top 10 rush defense.
This is a HUGE win for Nebraska — congrats @HuskerCoachTW
Nebraska was the #1 most improved defense in Power 5 from 2022 to 2023
• Overall Defense (opp. adjusted)
📈 Bottom 15 to Top 15• Rush Defense (opp. adjusted)
📈 Bottom 10 to Top 10 https://t.co/kt3Elg7QMi— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) December 1, 2023
When White was first hired, many were concerned that his 3-3-5 defense would not be enough to stop the notoriously run-heavy Big Ten offenses that he would have to face. Despite the widespread concern, an Athletic article from before the season details how White planned to stick to his guns. The confidence he had in his own system clearly payed off as Nebraska was eighth in the country in overall rush defense, allowing just 92.9 yards per game.
“We’re trying to concentrate on the operation,” White said, “that we know what our identity is, how we’re supposed to act.”
A main point that came across from White in the article as that he wanted his defense to play fast and free. White wanted the defense to be confident in their identity so they could play without hesitation. White’s efforts propelled the defense to being one of the best in the nation in just one offseason.
“I just care that you let loose,” he said. “Full go, full tilt. I’m not worried about a mistake.”
One aspect of a 3-3-5 that is necessary for success in a conference like the Big Ten is exceptional individual line play. White was able to get that from Nash “polar bear” Hutmacher as well as Ty Robinson. Both of these lineman saw a vast improvement in line with the Huskers defense this season. Robinson understands how much White has helped him improve as a player, and that has been one of the reasons he has decided to come back to the Cornhuskers instead of trying his hand at the NFL draft.
Robinson’s career year was outlined by 29 tackles, six pass breakups and four tackles for loss, all of which were career-highs for the All-Big Ten honorable mention. Robinson also led the Huskers’ defense with 11 quarterback hurries on the season.
Hutmacher also posted three career highs this season as he had 40 tackles, eight tackles for loss and four-and-a-half sacks. Another All-Big Ten honorable mention, Hutmacher wore a single-digit number along with Robinson. The single-digit number is not easy to come by as it represents head coach Matt Rhule’s idea of the “toughest” guys on the team, which are elected by a team vote before the season begins. With both standout defensive lineman making a return, White and company are expected to be a top defense in the nation once again.
