Willingham was highly regarded, and anyone who thinks White gave that 10-year deal to Weis is dreaming. That had the marks of Jenkins and his band of well heeled donors interfering in the athletics department.
Anyone notice that White left shortly afterward. No, he wasn't fired, he found a better job.
Like it or not, White has always enjoyed a very good reputation. He was, after all, smart enough to go after a good coach. But yeah, I realize, he doesn't have to deal with the recruiting "restrictions" of Notre Dame.