Mark Dantonio & MSU Football Hire Former NFL Detroit Lion Vice President Sheldon White as Program Consultant

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State head football coach Mark Dantonio has announced that the Spartans have hired former Detroit Lions Vice President of Pro Personnel Sheldon White as a program consultant. White previously spent 19 seasons with the Lions, most recently as the interim general manager in 2015.

“We’re extremely excited about the addition of Sheldon to our program,” said Dantonio. “He has a vast amount of experience at the highest level of football. We can’t wait to work with him and gain insight from his knowledge and expertise, while at the same time introducing him to our players and coaches. I think Sheldon will provide a great benefit to our program.”

“In working with the Lions, Coach Dantonio and I have been building our relationship over the years,” said White. “I had some interns that worked with him come over and work with me in the NFL. From a Michigan State perspective, it’s just great what he’s done with the program. They’ve won a ton of games the past few years and they’re running on all cylinders right now. He’s just a thorough, detailed guy, and when you’re in this profession, you appreciate that as well. The college game is different from the pro game in a lot of ways, especially the recruiting part of it, so I’m interested to learn a little bit more on how he’s doing his business.

“From the other perspective, whatever Coach Dantonio needs me to do, I’m all in with him and his entire staff. Michigan State has a great program and I’m looking forward to joining in and giving whatever insight I can provide. Anywhere I can help out and wherever Coach Dantonio needs me to go, that’s where I’ll be.

“One of the main things I’m excited about is being around the players and getting a chance to work with them. I hope I can add something that will maximize their performance and possibly get them ready for the National Football League.”

White played defensive back for six NFL seasons with the New York Giants (1988-89), Detroit Lions (1990-1992) and Cincinnati Bengals (1993).

Following retirement from his playing career, White returned to the Lions in 1997 as a scout for three seasons before becoming Director of Pro Personnel in 2000.

In 2004, White completed the NFL’s career development program at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business, and was promoted to Vice President of Pro Personnel with Detroit in 2009.

Prior to joining the Lions, White was the wide receivers coach at his alma mater, Miami-Ohio, from 1994-1996.

A four-year starter at cornerback for the RedHawks from 1984-87, White earned first-team All-MAC and honorable mention All-America honors his senior season and served as a key contributor to the school’s MAC title in 1986. In 1988, White was selected by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL Draft with the 62nd overall pick.

In 2014, White was inducted into Miami University’s Athletic Hall of Fame. He graduated from Miami-Ohio with a bachelor’s degree in finance.