Albany State University has named James "Mike" White to succeed Hampton "Hamp" Smith as head football coach. White will take over as head coach of the Golden Rams football team effective December 1, 1999, ASU President Portia Holmes Shields announced at an afternoon news conference.
"I am delighted to name Coach White to the head coaching position of the Rams. He has trained under the leadership of the legendary Hampton Smith and is committed to continuing the Rams winning ways and ensuring that our athletes are students first," Shields said. White, promoted to assistant head coach earlier in the year when Smith announced plans to retire at the end of the 1999 season, has been coaching for the Golden Rams football program since 1984. A former Golden Rams football standout, he has been the defensive coordinator for 16 years and has distinguished himself as one of the best defensive masterminds in the game. He has coached nationally-ranked defensive units and brought much attention to the Golden Rams "Dirty Blue" defense. Under his leadership, the Albany State defense has ranked in the top 10 of the NCAA statistics for several years. In defensive scoring, the units were ranked first in the nation in 1993 and 1997; second in 1993; and third in 1987 and 1998. The units were ranked second in total defense in 1993 and 1998; first in defensive rushing in 1993; and third in defensive passing and total defense in 1997. The Golden Rams currently hold second place in defensive scoring. He has been instrumental in leading the Golden Rams to nine Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships, with five consecutive championships from 1993-1997; and five consecutive National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) from 1993-1997. In addition to his duties as defensive coordinator, White serves as special teams coordinator, conditioning coordinator, linebackers coach and director of intramural health and physical education. Prior to joining the Golden Rams coaching staff, White enjoyed a stellar five-year professional football career. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fourth round in 1979, and played with the Seattle Seahawks from 1981 until 1983. An Augusta, Ga., native, White earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Master's degree in Health and Physical Education from Albany State in 1990 and 1999, respectively. Active in professional and civic organizations, White is a member of the American Football Coaches Association, Black Coaches Association, National Football League Alumni and 100 Black Men of Albany. The University is planning to formulate an athletic association. The association's primary function will be to solicit funds and other resources to support the athletic program. Former Golden Rams Head Coach Hampton Smith has been asked to play a vital role in the association by spearheading the fundraising effort and supporting innovative activities and events to advance the university's athletic program.
