After another notable Wisconsin football alumni accepted a coaching job elsewhere, some former players had plenty of questions
Former Wisconsin Badgers running back and fan favorite player James White was announced as the new assistant running backs coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini yesterday. White, a three-time Super Bowl winner, played collegiate football for Wisconsin and is considered to be a player that added plenty of flair and talent to Madison during his tenure before being selected by the New England Patriots in the NFL Draft.
White recorded 4015-yards rushing, 45 rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns without ever really being the only ballcarrier for the Wisconsin Badgers.
The running back last played in 2021 before announcing his retirement via social media in 2022, effectively ending his playing career after a very long and successful run with the Patriots.
Since retiring, White had expressed interest in coaching but no news of any possible offers or coaching opportunities had been connected to the former running back. Now, White is reunited with his former coach at Wisconsin, Bret Bielema, who currently holds the same title with the Illinois Fighting Illini.
White will break into coaching this upcoming season with the Fighting Illini as an assistant running backs coach in his first full season coaching at any level. While seeing White return to the sidelines excite many Wisconsin football fans, many alumni and fans are upset that White cannot do so on the sideline in Madison.
