On October 12, former NFL quarterback Trent Dilfer joined what’s becoming a growing list of college football head coaches to lose their jobs after he was fired by UAB. Shortly after the university made the announcement, a former Atlanta Falcons wide receiver put his name out there for the open position.
UAB football’s official X account posted Blazers athletic director Mark Ingram’s statement regarding Dilfer’s firing.
“We have made a decision to part ways with Head Football Coach Trent Dilfer. We agree that—unfortunately—our on-field performance has not lived up to the standard of winning we have for the program. This decision will allow us to move forward in the best long-term interest of the program,” Ingram said.
Replying to the post was none other than former Falcons receiver Roddy White, who simply said, “I want the job.” White is also a UAB alum and is considered one of the best players in school history.
White kept it that simple and didn’t make any more posts about the matter. Still, it wouldn’t be shocking if he’s at least considered for the position, following in the footsteps of other former players who transitioned into college coaching despite having little to no experience.
That would include Dilfer, whose inexperience showed, posting a 9-21 record in the middle of Year 3.
Roddy White Could Follow Former NFL Legends Into College Coaching
Back in 2020, Deion Sanders started something that quickly became the new norm in college football coaching. Sanders took over at Jackson State, an FCS program he turned into a small powerhouse. After three successful years, Sanders caught the eyes of FBS programs and landed at Colorado.
That shift changed how athletic departments viewed highly recognizable former NFL players as coaching candidates. Even with minimal experience, their name value alone made them appealing, especially for smaller programs looking to gain exposure and credibility.
This movement has become known as the “Deion Sanders Effect” in recent years. Now, White could follow in the footsteps of not only Sanders but also Eddie George (Bowling Green), Michael Vick (Norfolk State) and DeSean Jackson (Delaware State).
It could be said that Dilfer, a Super Bowl champion with the Baltimore Ravens, also followed this blueprint. He, like Sanders, had only previously coached at the high school level.
Roddy White Spent Entire NFL Career With Falcons
White was a first-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons at No. 27 overall in 2005 out of UAB. His senior season with the Blazers clearly impressed NFL scouts, as he recorded 71 receptions for 1,452 yards and 14 touchdowns, helping lead UAB to its first bowl win in school history.
After sitting out the entire 2016 season, White officially retired from the NFL in 2017 following an 11-year career. From 2007 to 2012, he posted at least 1,200 receiving yards each season. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro honors in 2010—the same year he led the league in receptions.
White spent his entire career in Atlanta, finishing with 808 receptions for 10,863 yards and 63 touchdowns. His consistency and leadership helped guide the Falcons to some of their best seasons in franchise history, including four playoff appearances.
He’s also one of just 14 members of the Falcons Ring of Honor, earning induction during halftime of a game in December 2019.
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