Ted White Comes Home To Coach Howard Football

January 14, 2026

Washington, DC

By Ron Harris – Ted White, the most decorated quarterback in Howard’s long tradition of college football, as well as the most prolific record setting passer in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference history, is coming home to coach the Bison program. When Coach Larry Scott stepped down as coach at Howard, the emails and texts started flowing. Howard Athletic Director, Kary Davis, just coming off surgery said, “I got over 300 emails from alumni, coaches, agents and other representatives inquiring about this job. I was working from home after surgery and had to sift through all these emails. One of the first calls I received was from the great Doug Williams telling me, ‘Ted is the only one for the job’.”

Williams, one of White’s mentors and a key person in Ted coming to Howard from Baton Rouge, La. Williams’ home state. Williams attended the official announcement of White as head coach. Interim HU president, Wayne A.I. Frederick, said a key reason for the hiring was that Ted White, “Understood our culture at Howard University, he is a Howard man.” Frederick wanted all to know that Howard is “Fully committed to athletics at Howard and he let Coach White know it.” Included, is Howard’s commitment to navigating the infamous NIL process of college athletics.

White quarterbacked Howard from 1995 to 1998. He is the all-time MEAC leader, to this day, in passing touch downs with 92, passing yards with 9808 and passes completed with 639. He was the MEAC Player of the year in 1996 when he led Howard to victory in the Heritage Bowl, beating his hometown team, Southern University. His team won 10 games that year and was voted Black College National Champions.

When introduced, White said, “I’m home,” and instantly broke down in tears. “Howard shaped me, Howard challenged me, Howard made me. I am proud to be a Howard man. This university gave me the foundation and carried me from this campus to the NFL,” said the emotional White. “No matter wherever I coached or competed, Howard has always been home.” White was on several NFL rosters, including with the Chiefs, the Buccaneers, the Raiders, the Jaguars and was a starting quarterback in NFL Europe. Ted also played in the Canadian Football League. White’s last job was with the University of Maryland, where he helped develop freshman quarterback, Malik Washington, who had one of the best true freshman years in 2025. Before Maryland, White was an assistant at UCLA. White will be one of 3 former Howard star players to coach at Howard. Steve Wilson, Ted’s coach and Gary “Flea” Harrell preceded White. All 3 are in Howard’s Hall of Fame. “Flea” said when asked if he thought Ted was ready to be a first-time head coach, “Yes, he is. He just must be open to what his coaches are saying and be open minded to everything around him.” First time head coaches have flourished in recent years. White said, “I spoke to our players in the transfer portal and stressed that they can get whatever they want from football right here at Howard. I am saying that to 5-star players as well. Players can get to the NFL from Howard.” One such player, Jimmie Johnson, was in attendance. Johnson played 10 years in the league and won a Super Bowl ring with the Washington Redskins. He is currently an assistant coach at Morgan St. University. Antione Bethea played 14 years in the league and also won a Super Bowl ring. There have been several NFL players from Howard, including Jay Walker, who spoke to Ted on his recruiting visit to Howard. Good football players are everywhere. All eyes will be on Head Coach Ted White this upcoming season, with high powered Indiana University and Rutgers on the upcoming schedule.

About Ron Harris

Ron Harris, retired college administrator, coach, broadcaster, Internet and TV sports producer and host. Former radio host of a live call-in show. Extremely close to the sports landscape in the Washington, DC metro area. Former radio sports reporter, covering MLB, college sports, major boxing events and much more.