UCF AD Danny White named new Tennessee athletics director

ORLANDO, Fla. — University of Central Florida Athletic Director Danny White has been named the new athletics director for the University of Tennessee.

In a statement, University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman pointed to White’s record of transforming college athletic programs to win championships as a primary reason for hiring him for the job.

“Danny White is an innovative leader in college athletics, with a strong track record in recruiting and developing leaders. He brings the combination of winning attitude, competitive drive, and dedication to integrity and academics that we are looking for,” Plowman said.

White, who has been Vice President and Director of Athletics for UCF since 2015, is credited with putting the Knights on the national stage.

During his tenure, the Knights football program notched 25 consecutive wins and back-to-back American Athletic Conference titles.

The most notable win was against Auburn at the Peach Bowl in 2018.

The win made UCF the only undefeated Football Bowl Subdivision team that season, leading White to declare the Knights national champions.

While some criticized White at the time, many credit him with highlighting a system that favors big-name programs in the College Football Playoff.

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During his time at UCF, athletes for 25 consecutive semesters had a combined GPA of 3.0 or better, and a record 253 Knights earned spots on the 2019 American Athletic Conference All-Academic Team.

White will replace former UT AD Phillip Fulmer, who announced his retirement after the NCAA began an investigation into the Volunteers football program this year.