Football | March 18

DeKALB, Ill. – The Northern Illinois University football program has announced Matt White as Offensive Line Coach. White joins the Huskies from Southern Utah, spending three seasons with the Thunderbirds from 2023-25 as Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach.

"We are excited to welcome Matt to NIU," said Interim Head Coach Rob Harley. "He believes in the same brand of football that has been the standard here at NIU. Physical. Relentless. Built on the run game and controlling the line of scrimmage."

Last season, Southern Utah ranked 13th in the FCS in rushing yards per game with 202.0 yards per game. Under White, center Edward Riley earned United Athletic Conference First-Team and was an Associated Press All-America team honorable mention while offensive lineman Sirri Kandiyeli earned UAC Second Team honors.

"Everything we want to do begins with the offensive line," said Harley. "He demands toughness, but he also earns the players' respect every day. Matt understands that relationships come first."

Running back Joshua Dye rushed for 1,832 yards in 2025, ranking second in the FCS. Dye was a Walter Payton Finalist and earned All-America First Team honors from several outlets.

The Thunderbirds averaged just north of 200 rushing yards per game in each of the last two seasons, finishing the 2024 season with 205.6 yards per. Running back Targhee Lambson led the FCS in rushing with 1,922 yards in 2024 during a record setting season for Southern Utah.

Prior to Southern Utah, White served as Truman State University's Offensive Line coach from 2019-22. The Bulldogs were 31-8 during White's four years, won three bowl games and averaged 226.6 rushing yards per game during White's tenure.

White's college coach career began at Saddleback College in California, serving as an assistant coach from 2014-17.

NIU football begins spring practice on Wednesday, April 1.