**Mike White, Esteemed Football Coach, Passes Away at 89**
Mike White, a distinguished football coach known for his leadership in both college football and the NFL, has passed away at the age of 89 in Newport Beach, California. His death has left a profound impact on the football community.
The Raiders organization expressed their sorrow in a statement, saying, “The Raiders Family is saddened by the passing of Mike White, former head coach of the Silver and Black and a long-time NFL and college coach and mentor. The prayers of the entire Raider Nation are with Mike’s family at this time.”
White’s coaching career with the Raiders spanned seven years, including two seasons as head coach from 1995 to 1996. Prior to that, he held positions as a quarterbacks and offensive line coach. His coaching journey began at the young age of 22 when he joined the Cal Golden Bears as a defensive line coach in 1958, following a successful athletic career as a four-sport athlete at the university.
After six years at Cal, White moved to Stanford, where he served as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach from 1964 to 1971. He later returned to Berkeley to lead the Golden Bears as head coach from 1972 to 1977. White made his NFL debut with the San Francisco 49ers in 1978, working as the offensive line coach for two years before transitioning back to college football as the head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1980 to 1987. After his tenure with the Raiders, he continued to contribute to the sport as an offensive assistant with the St. Louis Rams.
Over five decades, White’s coaching legacy influenced countless players and coaches. Burl Toler Jr., a former player at Cal, reflected on White’s impact, stating, “Mike was special. He treated us like men and with a lot of respect. Mike was a very gifted and smart coach who loved Cal and loved being a coach, and he surrounded himself with a lot of like minds who instilled in us a will to succeed.”
Mike White’s contributions to football will be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches.
**FAQ**
**What teams did Mike White coach during his career?**
Mike White coached several teams, including the Cal Golden Bears, Stanford, the San Francisco 49ers, the Illinois Fighting Illini, and the Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders.