Football: Former Crespi running back Russell White is new head coach at Flintridge Prep

Russell White, considered one of the best running backs in Southern Section history during his days at Encino Crespi in the 1980s, is returning to Southern California to become football coach and assistant athletic director at Flintridge Prep.

White, who went on to play for California and was drafted by the Rams, has been living in the Bay Area. He last coached football in 2012 and spent three years as the commissioner for the Oakland Section. He helped Crespi win the 1986 Big Five Conference championship, the only time a San Fernando Valley team has won the highest division in the Southern Section.

“I’m excited to come back,” White said.

Flintridge Prep is moving from 11-man to eight-man football.

White’s arrival means there’s going to be two high-profiled coaches named Russell White.

Russell White, the basketball coach and athletic director, is trying to guide Crespi to a second consecutive state championship. His team plays Redondo on Saturday in the Division I Southern California Regional final.

“I will forever be the other Russell White,” the basketball White said. “And that is OK. However, I am glad the real Russell White is back in SoCal. THe close proximity of our schools will make it easier for us to work together and build the ‘Russell White brand’ into the monster it can be. I have already reached out to contacts at CAA for advisement.”

The football White wishes he could see his alma mater play this weekend.

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