WESTMINSTER, Md. – DeMarcus White has been named McDaniel College's head football coach.
White, the 26th head coach in the storied 124-year history of Green Terror football, takes over the reins after serving on the staff for the last three seasons as defensive coordinator.
"We are excited to have Coach White step into this role and are fortunate to be able to select from within our coaching staff to maintain continuity within our program," Director of Athletics Paul Moyer said. "DeMarcus has tremendous knowledge not only in the sport of football, but also with McDaniel and the department, which we feel will allow him to build on Coach Dailey's accomplishments."
White joined the Green Terror staff in 2016. As defensive coordinator, his scheme has consistently put pressure on opposing offenses. In each of the previous three seasons, his defenses finished in the top six in the conference in total defense, pass defense and sacks. The unit produced 74 sacks and 20 interceptions in the last three seasons under White. He has helped produce five all-conference defenders in those three seasons, including a first-team selection in linebacker Jarius Ransom last season.
White came to McDaniel with eight years of collegiate coaching experience, including two seasons at the Division I level. In addition to serving as the defensive backs assistant and player development coach at Rutgers in 2015, White also coached the 2008 season at his alma mater, Iona.
At Iona, he worked with the wide receivers – a position he knew well. White was an All-MAAC first-team performer and team captain in 2007, leading the Gaels in receptions (49) and yards (610). He also scored six touchdowns that season.
Between his stops at Division I, he spent six seasons with ASA College, including the final four as defensive coordinator. White helped lead the Avengers to three straight conference championship games. His 2014 defensive squad finished the season ranked seventh in NJCAA in total defense and fifth in rushing yards allowed per game. The unit was also 14th in pass defense and seventh in scoring defense.
His 2013 ASA defense keyed a Northeast Conference championship and Carrier Dome Bowl win. The Avengers led the nation in scoring defense (9.1 ppg) and second in total defense.
In 2012, the defense was tops in the NJCAA, including allowing a scant 38.1 rushing yards per game. His pass defense allowed just 100 yards per game. The squad won its first conference crown and first bowl appearance before ending the season ranked fifth in the NJCAA final poll.
While at ASA, White mentored 24 all-conference performers, six All-Americans and the 2009 National Junior College Player of the Year.
A Maryland native, White will be the first African-American head football coach in McDaniel and Centennial Conference history. He was a four-year letterwinner in basketball and three-year varsity starter in football at Laurel High School. A captain and All-Prince Georges County first-team selection, he played in the County All-Star game in 2004 before going on to Hudson Valley Community College. While there, he was a two-time all-conference performer and team captain.
White takes over the reins from Mike Dailey, who will step down at the end of March due to health concerns after three years as head coach and 10 total seasons on staff.
"I want to personally thank Coach Dailey for his service and commitment to our Green Terror football program," Moyer added. "Anyone who has interacted with Mike knows the knowledge and passion that he has for the game and his love for McDaniel College and this football team is unequaled. We support Mike in this decision and know that he will continue to be a resource for our coaches, not only through March, but beyond."
The Green Terror is scheduled to open the 2019 season at home against Misericordia on Saturday, Sept. 7.