Email Head Coach Chris Howard chris.howard@lawrence.edu
Appleton native Chris Howard has taken on the job of restoring the proud tradition of Lawrence University football.
Howard was named the 25th head football coach in school history in December 2004. He came to Lawrence after serving as the defensive coordinator and defensive secondary coach at St. Norbert College for three seasons. He helped the Green Knights win three conference championships and post the first NCAA Division III playoff victory in school history. St. Norbert compiled an impressive 29-4 record over the past three seasons, and the Green Knights ranked first in total defense in the Midwest Conference each of the last two years.
“I’m extremely excited about this opportunity,” Howard said. “I’ve been waiting for a coaching position such as this for my entire career. I feel very fortunate to be at a place like Lawrence. With the university in my hometown and my comfort level coaching in the Midwest Conference, I believe this is an ideal fit for me."
Howard has an impressive coaching background that ranges from the prep level to NCAA Division I-A. Before going to St. Norbert, Howard coached for Southern Utah University from 1996-2002. He served as both offensive and defensive coordinator at Southern Utah. As the offensive coordinator, the Thunderbirds ranked second in the nation in rushing and 16th in total offense. His defense had three seasons ranked in the top 25 in total defense.
A 1983 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Howard played
football for the Pointers and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
He earned a master’s degree in physical education from Illinois State
University in 1986. He was a doctoral candidate in exercise and sports science
at the University of Utah and has all but his dissertation completed.
Howard served as a graduate assistant football coach at both Southern Illinois
and Utah.
Howard, who played his prep football for legendary coach Paul Engen at Appleton West High School, is married. Howard and his wife, Mimi, have a son, Nicholas.