Head Coach Greg Robinson Introducing Quarterback Coach Brian White
“I’d like to take this opportunity to inform you all about the new hire that’s taken place – our new quarterback coach, Brian White. Brian is coming to Syracuse with quite an accomplished past. First of fall (smiling), he might be a little overqualified academically to be coming here and being our quarterback coach. He has a degree from Harvard, a degree from Fordham, and a degree from Notre Dame. He’s somewhat intimidating to me, but he’s done a lot of things. He’s coached a good amount of time and accomplished a lot during that time. I’m very excited about him coming to be our quarterback coach. I’ve been very impressed, and I’ve talked with him about his philosophy, his fundamentals, and the teaching progression that a quarterback or a group of quarterbacks goes through. He’ll do a fine job in that area.
“Then, I really like the expertise that he brings. He’s been an offensive coordinator for a number of years. He’s been a passing game coordinator for a number of years. He had a lot of responsibility. He’s worn a lot of hats in that position. I think that when you talk about the fit with the rest of our offensive staff, I think that Brian can really play a major role for us. I mention that we have (offensive coordinator) Brian Pariani and (offensive line coach) Bob Wylie, who have 30 years of NFL experience, and here you have somebody who has been a coordinator in college football for a number of years. I think that really helps pull the expertise that we have, already here on the staff, and tying it with the college game and all of the experiences that he’s had. It really lends itself to, what I think, will be some real productivity among the group. I’ve mentioned those three and I’d also like to mention that obviously Brian is the brother of (SU wide receivers coach) Chris White, who has done a fine job for us, working here in the past and present, obviously, that’s why I kept him. In working with Chris, I’ve been pleased with what he offers. I talk about he and (running backs coach) Desmond (Robinson) and I don’t want to, in any way, imply that they don’t have input. They do. Obviously, Brian and Chris go way back (laughing). Some asked about sibling rivalry, I said I hope there is. It would be good. I think that’s a special piece. Just like at our banquet when Floyd Little talked about how Syracuse is about family. I like to think that in a lot of ways, in the way that we work with our young players and the way that we recruit, the way that this organization is, I think family is a good word for it. I think we are a lot more family than we are corporate. To think that we have two brothers on the staff, to me that’s a nice thing. It’s a good thing. I know that Chris is excited; I know that Brian is excited that the two of them get the opportunity to work together. I’m proud of that, that that is part of the equation. With no further ado, I’m going to let Brian step up here and speak to you.”
Robinson on White’s involvement in the offense
“I think that he’ll be very involved. He has a lot of expertise in that area. He’s been a coordinator for a number of years. Be it practice plans, game plans, game day call sheets, he’s been through all of those things for a period of time. Like I said, at the collegiate level, I think that he can really help Brian Pariani in the areas of showing how he’s done these things in the collegiate world. I think that he’ll play a real instrumental part. Brian Pariani feels the same way.”
Robinson on if Brian Pariani struggled adjusting to the collegiate game:
“I think that it was a process. I don’t know about struggle. I think that immediately, when there’s not success, you look for blame. I don’t really think that. I think it was part of the process. We made a major transition in offense. I think Brian (Pariani) will be the first to tell you that the college game and the professional game are different. He had a number of things that he had to grow in his comfort zone. I think having somebody along with him who has done those things just makes things that much easier for him to really develop and grow in certain areas. Also, with his wealth of knowledge, I think it’s a nice tradeoff with Brian White getting to be a part of all that.”
Robinson on recruiting:
“I’m very encouraged. I really am. I think I told people that, up to a certain time, we had done a very good job. There were still a number of people out there that we had to keep battling some people for. We won a couple of those battles. I think that’s really pushed us in a direction to really put together a very strong class.”
Robinson on the reaction of recruits to Syracuse after last season:
“I think as you look at the class, that’s it pretty obvious that the reception has been good. They’ve spent time with our players, this is recruits and parents, and I think that they have sensed the enthusiasm and the direction that the program is heading is strong. We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve gotten many of the players that we have recruited.”
Robinson on if there are still a couple of recruits he is trying to get to Syracuse:
“We only have a few more scholarships available. We still have just a handful of what I call prospects, that we’ve made offers to out there. We’re still crawling and scratching and doing everything we can to put a real final touch on this group.”
Robinson on having a full recruiting season at Syracuse:
“I like to believe that when it’s all said and done that our Syracuse community is going to be proud of the group we have.”
Robinson on what Brian White can bring from Wisconsin:
“First of all, he’s been successful in different places. As a young graduate assistant at Notre Dame, he was part of a national championship with Lou Holtz. I think his total background is what I really like. Obviously, at Wisconsin, he’s been a coordinator. He’s had a lot of responsibility. I think that he can do a fine job with the quarterbacks and then when you add to the equation his experiences as a coordinator, I think it lends itself to the rest of our offensive staff because he has opinions of things that he’s done and been successful doing it. I think that just getting input like that will be helpful.”
Robinson on White’s work ethic:
“I can only tell you this – From everything I have learned about Brian, he has a great work ethic. I have something to base that on, off his brother, Chris.”
