LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY) — Quannas White, a New Orleans native who is regarded as one of the nation’s top recruiters while at the University of Houston, was named the 15th head coach in Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Men’s Basketball history, in an announcement on Monday by Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Bryan Maggard.

The 44-year-old White, who is currently in his eighth season at UH, including the past two years as the Cougars’ Associate Head Coach, will be formally introduced on Monday (March 17) in a noon press conference in the Stadium Club at M.L. “Tigue” Moore Field at Russo Park.

“I am extremely excited to announce Quannas White as our next head Men’s Basketball coach,” Maggard said. “A proven winner, both as a player and coach, Quannas is a man of high integrity, character and faith. He’s an elite recruiter and regarded as one of the best player development coaches in the industry.

“It’s with tremendous pride that we welcome Quannas, his wife Leah and their four children, Jordyn, Anaiah, Asher and Asa to the Ragin’ Cajuns family.”

Serving under current UH head coach and mentor Kelvin Sampson, White joined the Cougars as an assistant in 2017 before being elevated to Associate Head Coach in 2023. Their relationship goes back nearly 25 years when White played for Sampson at Oklahoma (2001-03), helping lead the Sooners to the 2002 NCAA Final Four and 2003 Elite Eight.

White, represented by Mike Harrison and Harrison Sports Management, has played an integral role in the overall success of the Houston program, currently ranked No. 3 in the country with a 27-4 overall record and 19-1 in Big 12 games. In UH’s second year in the Big 12, White has been a part of UH’s dominance with a 34-4 league mark, including wins in 33 of its last 35 games.

During his time on staff at UH, White has been a part of teams that have posted a combined 235-43 overall record, including a 123-22 mark in conference play with eight conference titles and seven consecutive trips to NCAA Tournaments, including the 2021 NCAA Final Four.

UH, currently ranked No. 3 in the national polls, has also reached national prominence by being ranked in the Top 25 in the Associated Press and USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll for seven consecutive years with Top 10 showings in each of the last four seasons prior to 2024-25.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be named the next Head Men’s Basketball Coach at the University of Louisiana,” said White. “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to University President Dr. Joseph Savoie and Athletic Director Dr. Bryan Maggard for their trust and belief in my vision for this program. This is an opportunity I do not take lightly, and I am fully committed to building a championship culture that reflects the pride, passion, and relentless work ethic of this great university and community.”

White takes over a tradition-rich Ragin’ Cajuns program which has made 11 trips to the NCAA Championships, including their last visit in 2023. Louisiana has earned 12 conference regular-season titles dating back to 1964 along with eight conference tournament titles, including seven Sun Belt Conference tournament crowns.

“To the players, fans, alumni, and Ragin’ Cajun family—get ready,” White said. “We will play with toughness, discipline, and heart. We will compete at the highest level and find a way to WIN! Together, we will create something special, something lasting, and something that makes all of Louisiana proud.

“The journey starts now, and I can’t wait to get to work. Geaux Cajuns!”

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