Mike Whitley is in his 30th year as the outside linebackers and special teams coach for the Carson-Newman Eagles. He has been with coach Sparks since he took over as head coach in 1980.

The evidence of coach Whitley's influence on the Eagle linebackers is very evident. Twenty-one outside linebackers Whitley has coached have been awarded All-Conference honors. Four of those players -- Jerome Taylor, Mark Isom, Darryl Gooden and Steve Josue -- went on to earn All-American accolades for their play. His special teams players have turned in outstanding performances as well. A total of 39 pupils of Whitley's have earned all-league acclaim, including Damon Wright, a three-time All-SAC return specialist, who signed with the Washington Redskins in 1994.

Whitley's coaching position changed some in 2005 as the Eagles moved to a 4-3 defensive front, and he began coaching more traditional defensive ends. Since the move, Whitley has had two Eagles earn All-SAC honors, including senior Darius Wrentz. Wrentz was named first team All-SAC in 2007, and was a preseason All-American candidate last season, after helping the Eagles finish 7th-nationally in team pass sacks.

As special teams coach, Whitley had two players earn all-conference honors last season, as return specialist Reggie Hubbard and punter Chris Jones were second team All-SAC selections. In 2007, Whitley had two kickers earn All-SAC honors. Jones was named first team All-SAC, while placekicker Aubrey Ingham earned second team honors.

After a three-year stint as the starting tight end at Appalachian State, Whitley began his career in 1971 as a head football and wrestling coach at West Fannin (Ga.) High School. After three years there, he moved on to Andrews (N.C.) High School, where he served as athletic director and head coach of the football, wrestling and track teams for three seasons.

In 1977, Whitley broke into the collegiate ranks at Western Carolina, where he coached the linebackers and defensive ends while obtaining his Master's degree. After his stint in Cullowhee, he then coached at Gardner-Webb for two years before coming aboard at C-N.

Whitley and his wife, Joanne, live in Jefferson City. They have two grown children, Carrie and Shylon.