Howard Names Record-Setting Alumnus Ted White Head Coach, Aims to Elevate Program

Alumnus Ted White returned to lead Howard's football program after the university named him head coach on Jan. 14, 2026. White arrives as a record-setting quarterback from the 1990s who still holds conference passing and touchdown marks, and he brings roughly two decades of coaching experience at multiple collegiate and professional stops. The hire was presented as a cultural fit and a strategic step to elevate Howard's competitiveness and national profile.

The immediate impact centers on identity and continuity. White's playing pedigree gives him instant credibility with recruits, alumni, and donors who value the narrative of a homegrown leader coming back to restore and raise a program. His record as a player signals an emphasis on quarterback development and offensive sophistication; translating those college-era achievements into coaching results will be an early measure of success. Howard has signaled that staff appointments and program initiatives will be announced in the coming weeks, setting the stage for how quickly White can assemble a staff to execute his vision.

From a performance standpoint, White's two decades in coaching at both college and professional levels suggests experience in player development, game planning, and roster management. In the modern FCS landscape, success hinges not just on Xs and Os but on navigating the transfer portal, NIL realities, and scheduling strategies that maximize exposure. White's return is timed against those industry trends; his profile could help Howard attract transfers looking for quarterback coaching and a pathway to higher visibility. How White leverages relationships built during his varied stops will be critical to ramping up recruiting and retention.

The hire also carries cultural and broader significance. Howard's decision to appoint a prominent alumnus underscores the continuing role HBCU identity plays in program building and institutional branding. Bringing back a celebrated former player can galvanize the fan base and amplify fundraising efforts, while also reinforcing a narrative of opportunity and leadership within the community. On a national level, hires like White's contribute to the momentum of HBCU programs seeking greater television exposure and competitive parity across FCS and beyond.

Business implications are immediate: renewed alumni engagement, potential increases in ticket sales and merchandise, and a clearer pitch to prospective opponents and media partners. The university's promise of forthcoming staff and program announcements will be watched closely as early indicators of ambition and resource allocation.

What comes next is practical and defining. Howard must translate the goodwill of this hire into concrete steps - staffing, spring practice plans, recruiting commitments, and a coherent message to the transfer market. For fans and stakeholders, Ted White's return is a statement of intent; the next months will show whether that intent becomes measurable progress on the field and in the program's national standing.