Howard University, under the leadership of interim President Wayne A.I. Frederick and Athletic Director Kery Davis, has named Ted White, a former standout quarterback at the institution, as its new head football coach, becoming the third historically Black college or university (HBCU) to turn a former star signal-caller into the leader of its program.
White replaces Larry Scott, who departed after six seasons to become the new tight ends coach at Auburn University.
“I would like to thank President Frederick, the Board of Trustees, athletic director Kery Davis, and the entire Howard University leadership for believing in me, trusting me, and giving me the opportunity to serve at this great institution,” said White.
As a Bison star from 1995-98, White follows Florida A&M’s Quinn Gray and Winston-Salem’s Tory Woodbury, both former star HBCU quarterbacks recently hired as head coaches. As a result quarterback, White was known for his smooth passes as he remains the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) career leader in passing yards (9,808) and touchdowns (92).
“When we [Davis and Frederick] interviewed Ted White, Dr. Frederick asked him why he wanted to be the coach at Howard University,” said Davis. “He said that his years at Howard shaped who he became as a man. The lessons he learned, the cultural environment, the social environment, they all were a part of his journey to where he is today. And he would love to be a part of that journey for the young men, who come through this football program who can look back and say ‘Howard led to me being where I am today in life.’ And when he said that, that was the most important.”
The Baton Rouge, Louisiana native led the Bison to a 24-8 record as a starter, highlighted by a 1996 Heritage Bowl victory and Black College National Championship. In that season, White was named MEAC Offensive Player of the Year after throwing 36 touchdowns. In 1998, he set a conference single-game record with 561 passing yards and eight touchdowns against Florida A&M.
White’s career extended into the NFL, NFL Europe, and the Canadian Football League. He was also inducted into the MEAC Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Howard Hall of Fame in 2014.
“Ted [White] is like a son to me and to see him grow up and in this position now, it’s not about the coach that left as much as it’s about the coach who they just installed as the head coach,” said former NFL quarterback Doug Williams. “And I think that’s important because Ted has so much passion, he has so much love for Howard, and you need that type of guy who understands the culture of the University that he’s coaching at and that who Ted is. He’s going to give you everything he got. So for me, it’s a great day for me, to be here, to see him implemented as head coach of the Bison.”
In his new role, White is bringing a deep coaching resume, which includes stints at Howard, Prairie View A&M, University of California Los Angeles, University of Maryland, the Houston Texans, and the DC Defenders.
“What we desire most for our student athletes, winning on the field is important but so too is winning the game of life,” said Davis. Coach White has a proven record of accomplishment and player development, particularly at the quarterback position, helping student athletes grow as competitors, leaders, and professionals.”
Now, one of the greatest football players in Howard’s history starts 2026 returning to his alma mater and is aiming to build on the university’s recent success, including its 2023 MEAC Championship and Celebration Bowl appearance.
“This is not a rebuild, this is a reawakening,” said White. “We’re turning up the pride at Greene Stadium, we’re restoring the belief, and we’re raising expectations.”