Penn State football: Candidates to replace Manny Diaz as defensive coordinator

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 18: Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz of the Penn State Nittany Lions takes the field before the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium on November 18, 2023 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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LINCOLN, NEBRASKA – NOVEMBER 24: Assistant coach Tony White signals plays action against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the second quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2023 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Tony White began his collegiate coaching career as a GA at UCLA where he played, but has risen through the ranks and is now one of the hottest names among young defensive coaches. At 44-years-old White just coordinated Nebraska’s defense in his first year with Matt Rhule after two seasons as DC for Syracuse.

Nebraska finished as a top 20 defense in total yards allowed, and points allowed, and was top-10 in yards per play. The Cornhuskers averaged 2.8 sacks per game which ranked 18th, so White, just like Manny Diaz, knows how to get pressure.

With better talent at Penn State, White could take the next step and would likely be another hot head coaching name in two seasons.

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