Presbyterian College Football Introduces Del Howard as Safeties and Special Teams Coach
January 17, 2026
The Presbyterian College football team continued to build its coaching staff on Friday afternoon as recently-appointed head coach Matt Rahl announced the addition of Del Howard as the Blue Hose safeties and special teams coach.
Howard reunites with Rahl after the two crossed paths at the University of Missouri in the late 2000s, when Howard was a student-athlete and Rahl served as a graduate assistant. He joins the Blue Hose following two successful seasons coaching defensive backs at Angelo State.
“I have followed Del’s career for many years and was thrilled to be able to hire him on my initial staff,” Rahl said. “Coach Howard has a strong reputation as someone who pours into his players, builds meaningful relationships, and is an excellent recruiter.”
Howard brings 16 years of defensive coaching experience to Clinton, with a résumé that includes stops across NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, junior college, and high school football. His most recent work at Angelo State helped establish the Rams as one of the nation’s top defensive units at the Division II level.
During his two seasons at Angelo State (2024–25), Howard guided a secondary that led the Lone Star Conference and ranked 10th nationally with 25 takeaways in his first year. The Rams advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs following a nine-game winning streak and finished the 2024 season with the sixth-best scoring defense in the country, holding opponents under 21 points in every game. Angelo State also ranked among the national leaders in pass defense, while producing multiple conference and All-America honorees. Over his tenure, eight defensive players earned All-Conference recognition.
Prior to Angelo State, Howard spent five seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas as the defensive backs coach and co-recruiting coordinator. The Red Ravens improved their overall record in four consecutive seasons, highlighted by an 8–3 campaign in 2022. That year, Coffeyville forced 28 turnovers and held nine opponents under 20 points, while producing several All-Conference and All-America selections.
Howard also gained FCS experience in 2018 at Abilene Christian, where the Wildcats ranked among the nation’s best in run defense and fourth-down stops. Earlier in his career, he served at Lyon College in Arkansas, rising from defensive backs coach to associate head coach and defensive coordinator. During his time there, the Scots transformed from a winless program into a winning one within three seasons.
Additional coaching stops include the University of Wisconsin–Stout, the University of Memphis, and OD Prep in Oklahoma City. At Memphis, Howard was part of Justin Fuente’s inaugural staff in 2012, contributing to a defense that ranked near the top of Conference USA in sacks and tackles for loss.
Howard began his coaching career at his alma mater, the University of Missouri, serving as a defensive graduate assistant under longtime head coach Gary Pinkel from 2010–11. As a player for the Tigers from 2006–09, he was part of some of the most successful teams in program history, including multiple bowl victories and Big 12 Championship Game appearances. Missouri won a then-school-record 12 games during his sophomore season and spent significant time ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 during his playing career.
With extensive experience on the defensive side of the ball and a proven track record of player development, Howard adds another accomplished voice to Rahl’s inaugural staff as Presbyterian College football prepares for the upcoming season.
