Virginia Tech announced Monday evening that it hired Florida Atlantic University's Vice President and Athletics Director to the same position. The announcement came just hours after Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported that the Hokies were in talks with White regarding his candidacy for the role.
"I am deeply grateful to Rector Jim Miller, President Tim Sands, Lynne Doughtie and the entire search committee for the trust they have placed in me to lead Virginia Tech Athletics," White said in the university's press release. "Virginia Tech is one of the distinctive brands in college athletics, and the passion of Hokie Nation, the commitment of university leadership and the momentum already underway make this an extraordinary opportunity.
“Few institutions in college athletics possess the combination of tradition, passion, institutional support and untapped potential that exists at Virginia Tech. I am excited to partner with Coach James Franklin as we continue building a championship-caliber football program. That same commitment to success will extend across all 22 sports as we work alongside our exceptional head coaches, dedicated staff and talented student-athletes to compete for championships. Together, we will pursue excellence relentlessly, strengthen our competitive position and elevate Virginia Tech Athletics to new heights."
White has overseen Florida Atlantic's athletics department since 2018. During his time in Boca Raton, the Owls have earned 26 NCAA postseason and bowl appearances, as well as 11 conference titles. White has hired several prominent head coaches to the Owls' programs throughout his tenure, including Dusty May, John Jakus, Zach Kittley and Jordan Clark.
Before his time at Florida Atlantic, White served as Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations and served as sport administrator for football and men's basketball. He's also spent time at West Point, Tulsa, and Louisiana Tech.
White's background in fundraising and program building at multiple Division 1 schools could be a great attribute to the Hokies as they seek to capitalize on the momentum generated by James Franklin's hire last fall.
Soon after joining the Owls, White helped secure funding for renovations to Florida Atlantic's football stadium and basketball arena, both of which included the addition of premium seating, an area in which Virginia Tech is currently seeking to improve in its own facilities. Additionally, Florida Atlantic opened in 2020 the Schmidt Family Complex for Academic and Athletic Excellence. This $72 million project included "a strength and conditioning wellness center, sports medicine center, locker rooms, the FAU MBA Sport Management Program, a history and tradition hall, indoor training center and outdoor practice fields." These efforts were facilitated by a program-record $26.4 million in donations in 2024-25, a 625% increase from 2021.
In a similar vein, White helped secure a multimedia rights deal with PlyFly Sports in 2023, as well as the largest stadium naming rights agreement in the American Athletic Conference in 2024 with Flagler Credit Union. These efforts helped raise program highs in revenue during a three-year stretch in which the Owls generated $2.5 billion, $2.5 billion, and $3.3 billion, respectively.
White was also named to Sports Business Journal's "40 Under 40" list in 2023.
Head football coach James Franklin joined President Tim Sands and other prominent university officials as the lone athletics representative on the search committee for the position, signifying the significant role he likely played in this process.
“We are building real momentum at Virginia Tech. From Invest to Win, to the creation of Hokie Ventures, to the incredible philanthropic support from donors, the commitment to excellence across our university is stronger than ever," Franklin said in the university's statement. "We were looking for a leader with impeccable character, along with the appetite and urgency to help our football program win at the highest levels. Brian embodies those qualities. I am confident our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans will quickly appreciate his passion for Virginia Tech, commitment to excellence and relentless drive to move our program forward.
“I am excited to partner with Brian as we continue building a championship-caliber football program and creating an outstanding experience for our student-athletes. The future is bright at Virginia Tech, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together on behalf of Hokie Nation.”
