MSU hires ex-Lions personnel man Sheldon White

Michigan State has hired former Lions vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White as a consultant to the football program.

White was with the Lions for 19 seasons until he was fired in February under new Lions general manager Bob Quinn.

White served as Lions interim GM after Martin Mayhew was fired in November, midway through the 2015 season. White was a candidate for the permanent job that went to Quinn.

White’s son, Cody White, has committed to Michigan State’s 2017 recruiting class. He is a 6-3, 175-pound three-star receiver from Walled Lake Western.

“We’re extremely excited about the addition of Sheldon to our program,” MSU coach Mark Dantonio said. “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.”

Trieu: W.L. Western’s White respects MSU’s player development

According to an MSU official, because of NCAA rules Sheldon While will not be able to recruit or coach on the field.

White was an NFL defensive back for six seasons with the Giants (1988-89), Lions (1990-92) and Bengals (1993).

Following his retirement, 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 in 2009.

“In working with the Lions, Coach Dantonio and I have been building our relationship over the years,” White said. “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. ... Whatever Coach Dantonio needs me to do, I’m all in with him and his entire staff.”