WHITTIER, Calif. — When Head Coach Cory White took over the Whittier College football program, his vision extended far beyond wins and losses. It was about building a championship culture—one centered on relationships, player development, academic excellence, and surrounding student-athletes with exceptional mentors.

As the Poets prepare for the 2026 season, that vision continues to take shape through one of the most accomplished and diverse coaching and support staffs in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

From former NFL players and Division I coaches to experienced educators, executives, and respected Southern California high school leaders, White has assembled a staff whose collective experience spans every level of football.

"Our goal has never been to simply hire good football coaches," White said. "We wanted to build a staff of teachers, mentors, recruiters, and leaders who are passionate about developing young men. Every person on this staff has a unique story and tremendous experience, but what ties them together is their commitment to serving our student-athletes every single day."

Building the Foundation

White enters his second season at the helm of the Poets after leading one of the most ambitious rebuilding efforts in program history. Having previously coached at Northern Illinois, New Mexico State, Humboldt State, Chapman, the University of San Diego, and during an earlier stint at Whittier College, White has spent more than two decades developing successful football programs throughout the West.

His emphasis on recruiting, accountability, and player development has already transformed the trajectory of the program, and the staff surrounding him reflects those same values.

"The culture of a program is shaped by the people in the building," White said. "I'm fortunate to work alongside coaches who care deeply about our players—not only as athletes, but as students, sons, and future leaders."

Experience Leading the Defense

Helping oversee that culture is Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Mark Odin, one of the most respected defensive minds in Southern California.

Odin's coaching career has included successful stops at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, the University of La Verne, and Damien High School, where his defenses became known for their discipline, toughness, and attention to detail.

Now entering his second season at Whittier, Odin oversees every aspect of the Poets' defense while serving as one of White's closest advisors.

"Coach Odin has seen virtually every situation you can encounter in this profession," White said. "Our players benefit tremendously from his experience, his leadership, and the confidence he brings to our defensive staff."

A Rising Offensive Leader Returns Home

Returning to Whittier as Offensive Coordinator is Lucas Govan, whose coaching career has rapidly accelerated through some of the West Coast's premier football programs.

Following his first stint with the Poets as Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach, Govan joined the staff at the University of San Diego, where he coached tight ends and tackles while helping the Toreros rank among the nation's best in run blocking. Between stops in San Diego, Govan served as Director of Player Personnel at UC Davis, helping assemble the highest-rated recruiting class in school history.

For Govan, returning to Whittier represented an opportunity to help shape the future of a program that has played a significant role in his coaching journey.

"Lucas is one of the brightest young offensive coaches in college football," White said. "He's an outstanding recruiter, an exceptional teacher, and someone who truly believes in what we're building here."

A National Perspective on Special Teams

Special Teams Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach Dave Aoyagi arrives with coaching experience that spans the country.

After beginning his collegiate coaching career at Oregon State University, Aoyagi continued developing players at Blinn College, one of the nation's premier junior college football programs, before coaching defensive backs at Ottawa University Arizona and Bowdoin College.

Those experiences exposed him to multiple defensive systems, recruiting philosophies, and special teams approaches that he now brings to Whittier.

"Dave has coached football in just about every environment imaginable," White said. "That perspective is invaluable, especially on special teams where attention to detail can completely change a football game."

Developing the Line of Scrimmage

Every successful offense begins with physical play in the trenches, and Offensive Line Coach Andrew Jacobs understands that firsthand.

A former offensive lineman at Fresno State and the University of Northern Colorado, Jacobs later earned an opportunity with the Denver Broncos, gaining firsthand experience inside an NFL organization.

That professional background now shapes his approach to coaching.

"Andrew knows what elite football looks like," White said. "He's experienced it as a player, and he brings those expectations into our offensive line room every day."

Recruiting the Future

One of the youngest members of the staff, Branden Thomas has quickly established himself as one of the region's emerging recruiters.

Thomas arrives after coaching at Eastern Washington University, where he worked as a defensive analyst, following a successful tenure as Defensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator at Chaffey College.

In addition to coaching the defensive line, Thomas directs Whittier's recruiting operations, helping identify student-athletes who fit both the academic and athletic mission of the College.

"Relationships are everything in recruiting," White said. "Branden connects incredibly well with young people and high school coaches, and he's done an outstanding job expanding our reach throughout California and beyond."

A Former Poet Gives Back

For Miguel Gutierrez, coaching at Whittier represents something more personal.

A former Poet student-athlete himself, Gutierrez understands what it means to wear the purple and gold. After earning degrees in kinesiology and exercise science while continuing his academic pursuits through doctoral studies, he has returned to develop the next generation of Whittier receivers.

"Miguel has lived the student-athlete experience here," White said. "That gives him tremendous credibility with our players, and he's passionate about helping them maximize every opportunity."

Developing Leaders Under Center

Quarterbacks Coach Tyler Smith brings valuable Division I experience after serving on the staffs at Southern Utah University and Texas State University.

Working with quarterbacks, offensive game planning, and recruiting at the FBS level has prepared Smith to lead one of the most important position groups on the roster.

"Tyler has an outstanding football mind," White said. "Our quarterbacks benefit every day from his energy, preparation, and attention to detail."

A Lifetime of Southern California Football

Few coaches know Southern California football like Rick Zepeda.

Following more than 30 years as a successful high school head coach throughout the 562 area, Zepeda brings decades of experience building programs, mentoring young athletes, and developing relationships throughout the region.

His addition strengthens not only the defensive staff but also Whittier's connection to local high school football.

"Coach Zepeda has impacted generations of players and coaches," White said. "His wisdom, leadership, and reputation speak for themselves."

Building Championship Athletes

Preparing student-athletes physically is Head Strength & Conditioning Coach Malik Campbell.

Campbell's experience includes strength and conditioning positions at Long Beach State, Oregon State University, and Dakota Wesleyan University, where he developed comprehensive athletic performance programs centered on strength, speed, mobility, and injury prevention.

His holistic approach ensures Whittier players are prepared for the physical demands of collegiate football throughout the entire year.

"Malik is invested in every player's long-term development," White said. "His work goes far beyond the weight room."

Success Beyond Football

While the coaching staff develops players on Saturdays, Academic Coordinator Rik Ichiho ensures they are equally prepared for life after graduation.

Ichiho's remarkable professional journey includes leadership positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Hahn & Hahn, Grand American, Inc., and American Golf Corporation before becoming a successful entrepreneur and eventually transitioning into higher education.

Since arriving at Whittier College in 2017, he has become one of the institution's most respected faculty members, teaching accounting, business law, taxation, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy while creating pathways that prepare students for graduate school and the Certified Public Accountant examination.

"Rik embodies exactly what we want Whittier Football to represent," White said. "He challenges our student-athletes to think bigger than football and prepares them for meaningful careers after they leave Whittier."

More Than Coaches

Collectively, the 2026 Whittier College Football staff represents decades of experience from every corner of the football landscape. More importantly, they represent a shared commitment to developing complete student-athletes.

As preseason preparations continue, the Poets are focused on building something that extends beyond the scoreboard—a program rooted in character, accountability, academic achievement, and competitive excellence.

"Football is ultimately about people," White said. "We believe we have assembled a staff that will make a lasting impact on the lives of our players. That's what Whittier College is about, and that's what we're working to build every day."

With a talented coaching staff, experienced support personnel, and a clear vision for the future, Whittier College Football enters the 2026 season positioned to continue building momentum and establishing a new standard of excellence for Poet Football.