Overview
- Benet Academy in Lisle, Illinois confirmed James White as its next head football coach.
- White will remain on Bret Bielema’s Illinois staff for the rest of the season as the transition begins.
- Benet running backs coach Todd Lawler will serve as interim head coach and assist with the handoff.
- White started coaching at Northern Illinois in 2024 and joined Illinois in 2025 after an eight-year, three–Super Bowl NFL career with the Patriots.
- He succeeds Pat New, who retired after 16 seasons with a 92–67 record, and drew public praise from Bielema for the move.