Illinois High School Hires Three-Time Super Bowl Champ as Head Coach

A private Catholic prep high school has hired a decorated athlete to lead their football team.

In need of a new head coach, Benet Academy in Lisle, IL (roughly 15 minutes from where I grew up, for what it's worth!) looked to the college ranks to find their next skipper. Their search led them to a three-time Super Bowl champion, who made a lasting impression with the New England Patriots during their dynastic run in the 2010s.

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A Former Badger is Now a Redwing:

This week, former Wisconsin Badgers running back James White was named as the new head coach of the Benet Redwings. White won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, and actually holds the NFL record for the most points by a single player scored in a Super Bowl (tied with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts).

White was instrumental to the Patriots' dynasty stretching into the 2010s. He played from 2014 - 2021, and shined under the brightest lights by being a dynamic and forceful runner. White served as the assistant running backs coach for the Fighting Illini this season, and now is heading up north to Lisle, IL where he hopes to bring his winning formula to the high school ranks.

High Praise for Coach James White:

The Benet Redwings took to Twitter to announce the hiring of White as head coach:

Coach White, we are extremely grateful to have you become a huge part of Redwing Nation. Welcome home, Coach! - per the Benet Redwings' Twitter account

Prior to his time with the Illini under Bret Bielema, White also served as a player personnel coach for Northern Illinois University. He's gotten to know the landscape of Illinois football very well, and should bring a wealth of knowledge to Benet as a result:

I want to give a huge thank you to Coach Bielema for giving me the opportunity to join his staff to learn and grow as a coach. I’m excited for the future and can’t wait to build relationships within the Benet Community - James White, per Fox 32 Chicago

White's Resume is as Decorated as They Come:

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In addition to winning three rings with New England, White won six AFC East division titles under then-head coach Bill Belichick. He also scored the game-winning touchdown in Super Bowl LI in overtime to secure the improbable comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Overall, White played in 95 games, all with the Patriots, rushed for 3,278 yards, and scored 25 touchdowns.

Now, White is the head coach of a Class 5A high school program. The Redwings finished the 2025 season with an underwhelming 3-6 record, after starting the season 3-1. Read more about former New England Patriots running back James White taking over the Benet Academy football program on Fox 32 Chicago's website.