Benet Academy has hired former New England Patriots running back and three-time Super Bowl champion with the NFL‘s New England Patriots, James White, as its new head football coach, effective after the 2025 college season.
White, currently an assistant running backs coach at the University of Illinois, will transition to lead the Redwings program.
Located in Lisle, Illinois, Benet Academy is a private Catholic college preparatory school that competes in the East Suburban Catholic Conference.
The Redwings have been competitive but have not consistently ranked among Illinois' elite football programs.
Hiring White signals a major investment in elevating the team's national profile.
White was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin.
He won three Super Bowls (XLIX, LI, LIII), most notably scoring three touchdowns in Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons, including the game-winning score in overtime.
After the game, Patriots QB Tom Brady, who won the Super Bowl MVP, gave White his flowers, saying he believes White should have won the award.
Over eight NFL seasons, White recorded 1,278 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 381 receptions, 3,278 receiving yards, and 25 receiving touchdowns.
He was widely regarded as one of the best pass-catching backs of his era.
White has spent the past year as an assistant running backs coach at Illinois, learning under head coach Bret Bielema, who also coached him at Wisconsin.
is NFL pedigree and Big Ten background give him credibility with players and parents, potentially boosting Benet's ability to attract talent.
White's transition from NFL standout to Illinois assistant coach and now head coach at Benet Academy marks a significant moment for the Redwings.
His track record of success with the Patriots, his coaching apprenticeship under Bielema, and his reputation for leadership position him to make an immediate impact.
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