Illinois assistant running backs coach James White is set to become the new head coach at Benet Academy. Benet Academy is a private college preparatory school in Lisle, Illinois.
“I want to give a huge thank you to Coach Bielema for giving me the opportunity to join his staff,” White wrote in a press release. “I’m excited for the future and can’t wait to build relationships within the Benet Community.”
White played under current Illinois head coach Bret Bielema at Wisconsin as well as professionally in the NFL. The former running back won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots. He also won three Big Ten championships with the Badgers. White joined the Illinois coaching staff this season as an assistant running backs coach alongside assistant head coach Thad Ward.
Bielema said that he is very proud of the growth he has seen out of White throughout the seasons he’s worked with him.
“Benet Academy is getting a proven leader that will make a positive impact in the lives of their young men,” Bielema wrote in a press release. “I am excited to see the success he has as a high school coach in the state of Illinois.”
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White will continue to coach the rest of the 2025 season with Illinois before transitioning to his new role.
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