Football

Our Staff

Varsity

Brian Lewis

Head Football Coach

Brian Lewis enters his seventh season as the head football coach at Howell High School. A 2007 graduate of De La Salle Collegiate—where he was honored as the Tony DeSantis Man of the Year—Lewis went on to graduate from the University of Michigan in 2011, earning the prestigious Falk-Hatch Scholarship for Leadership in 2010. During his time at Michigan, he served as an Offensive, Special Teams, and Operations Analyst from 2011 to 2014. His extensive coaching resume also includes serving as Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach at Brighton (2015) and Father Gabriel Richard (2016), and stepping into head coaching roles at Father Gabriel Richard (2017) and Plymouth (2018–2019) before taking over the helm at Howell in 2020.

Throughout his career, Coach Lewis has earned widespread recognition, including Detroit Catholic League AA Coach of the Year (2017), MHSFCA Regional Coach of the Year honors (2017, 2019, and 2024), and being named the Detroit Lions High School Football Coach of the Week in 2024. In addition to his leadership on the gridiron, Lewis has served as a Physical Education teacher at Howell High School since 2020. Brian and his wife, Teddi, who have been married since 2014, have three children: Evelyn, Abraham, and Sunny.

Faith - Family - Discipline - Toughness. Howell High Forever.

Mike Lewis

Varsity Defensive Coordinator

Mike Lewis enters his third year on the coaching staff as the Varsity Defensive Coordinator, bringing a lifetime of football excellence to the program. A 1980 graduate of Detroit Catholic Central, Lewis played three years of varsity football before earning a scholarship to Eastern Michigan University, where he was a four-year letterman and graduate in 1985. Coach Lewis brings decades of elite coaching experience to Howell, having spent the majority of his career coaching at De La Salle High School in Warren, alongside stints at Detroit Catholic Central, University of Detroit Jesuit High School, Plymouth High School, and Father Gabriel Richard. Professionally, Coach Lewis is a retired educator who spent most of his career teaching in the Royal Oak Schools. Family is at the center of his life; Mike and his wife, Lisa, have been married for 41 years and have two sons. Their oldest son, Matt, and his wife, Courtney, have blessed them with three grandchildren: Jack, Charlotte, and Elliot. Their youngest son, Brian—who serves as Howell's head football coach—and his wife, Teddi, have also blessed them with three grandchildren: Evelyn, Abraham, and Sunny.

Kyle Docken

Varsity Offensive Line, Co-Offensive Coordinator

Kyle Docken enters his fourth year on the coaching staff as the Offensive Line Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator, bringing a winning pedigree and a physical mindset. A 2006 State Champion and 2008 First Team All-GAC Blue offensive lineman at New Lothrop High School, Coach Docken went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies, PE, and Health from Saginaw Valley State University in 2017. His coaching resume features extensive experience across the high school ranks, including serving as the New Lothrop JV Defensive Coordinator (2015–2016), South Lyon East JV Head Coach (2017–2021), and South Lyon East Defensive Coordinator (2021). Professionally, Kyle has spent his career in education as a PE and Health teacher, serving at Flint Hamady Middle School (2017–2019), South Lyon Community Schools (2019–2022), and Voyager Elementary in Howell starting in 2022. Kyle and his wife, Nikki, have two children: a daughter, Cali (3), and a son, Crew (1).

"#ROADGRADERS #MASHFACE"

Justin Filipelli

Varsity Running Backs, Special Teams Coordinator

Justin Filippelli enters his ninth season on the varsity coaching staff as the Running Backs Coach and Special Teams Coordinator, helping guide the program through a successful era that includes KLAA West Division (2021) and Conference Championships (2024, 2025), multiple MHSAA playoff appearances, and a 2024 District Championship. Filippelli was also nominated for the MHSFCA Leadership Alliance program in May 2022. A 2005 football alumnus of Canton High School, Filippelli earned his Bachelor's Degree from Central Michigan University in 2009 and his Master's Degree from Michigan State University in 2013. His extensive football background includes collegiate experience as an offensive student assistant at Central Michigan (2007–2009), where the Chippewas won two MAC Championships (2007, 2009) and the GMAC Bowl (2009), as well as serving as an operations and recruiting assistant for Michigan State University football from 2011 to 2013. His high school coaching experience includes serving as the JV offensive coordinator, defensive backs coach, and strength and conditioning coach at South Lyon High School in 2010 before joining Howell in 2018. Away from the gridiron, Justin works professionally as a Senior HR Business Partner for Trinity Health. Justin is married to his wife, Nichole—whom he describes as the epitome of a football coach's wife—and they have three wonderful children: Joanna, Jordan, and Gianna.

"Be humble. Be hungry. And always be the hardest worker in the room." - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Nick Downs

Varsity Quarterbacks

Nick Downs enters his second year on the coaching staff as the Varsity Quarterbacks Coach. A 2020 graduate of Plymouth High School, Nick was a three-year varsity starter at quarterback and a two-time team captain, earning KLAA West Champion honors, 1st Team All-KLAA, and All-Metro West Honorable Mention. He went on to continue his playing career as a quarterback at Wittenberg University from 2021 to 2022 before graduating in 2024. Away from the football field, Nick works as a Project Manager for Greyson Clothiers.

Cameron Englund

Varsity Offensive Line

Cameron Englund enters his 7th year on the coaching staff working with the offensive line, bringing a strong background from both the gridiron and the trades. A 2013 graduate of Howell High School, where he played both defensive and offensive line, Cam went on to Northwood University as a three-year starter on the defensive line before graduating in 2018. Away from the field, he works as a journeyman carpenter. Cam and his wife, Marla, have a son, Zeeland (3), a daughter, Palmer (1), and a 5-year-old golden retriever fur-son named Timber.

"MASH FACE."

Tom Kanka

Varsity Defensive Line

Tom Kanka enters his third year on the varsity coaching staff, working with the defensive linemen and bringing a legendary football background to the program. A 1980 All-State defensive lineman at Columbia Central High School in Brooklyn, Michigan, Kanka went on to a stellar collegiate career at Hillsdale College, where he was named an NAIA All-American (Division 1), a Kodak All-American (Division 2), and served as team captain in 1983. His playing career continued at the professional level with stints as a defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1984 and the Detroit Lions in 1985.

Kanka brings extensive coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels, having served as a Defensive Line and Strength Coordinator at Ferris State University (1986–1990) and Hillsdale College (1991), as well as coaching at Columbia Central High School (1985–1986) and in the Hamburg Youth Football program (2013–2020). Tom has also built a successful 33-year executive career in the transportation and logistics industry. Tom and his wife of 22 years, Beverly, have three children: Bobby, a sophomore football player at the University of Michigan; Emma, an incoming freshman on the track and field team at EMU; and Frank, a junior football player at Howell.

"Get Off - Hands - Effort."

Jeff Mathews

Varsity Defensive Line, Equipment Coordinator

Jeff Mathews enters his fourth year on the varsity coaching staff, working with the defensive ends and overseeing equipment. Mathews brings a strong background as both an educator and multi-sport athlete. A graduate of Fowlerville High School, where he competed in track, basketball, and esports, Mathews went on to graduate from Eastern Michigan University in 2020 with an impressive 3.96 GPA. Professionally, he works as a teacher at Howell and a carpenter. Away from the field, Jeff is married to his wife, Victoria Radke.

"Gentlemen, we are going to relentlessly chase perfection, knowing full well we will not catch it, because nothing is perfect. But we are going to relentlessly chase it, because in the process we will catch excellence." - Vince Lombardi

Colin Lassey

Varsity Linebackers

Colin Lassey enters his third year on the coaching staff working with the linebackers. A 2023 graduate of Detroit Catholic Central, Colin played four years of football before moving on to Oakland University, where he is on track to graduate in 2027. Away from the gridiron, he works in various tech and IT roles.

Cody Wiggins

Varsity Rovers

Cody Wiggins enters his sixth season on the Varsity coaching staff, working with the Rovers. A 2013 graduate of Howell High School, Wiggins went on to continue his education and athletic career at Defiance College, graduating in 2017.

Eddie Cullip

Varsity Defensive Backs

Eddie Cullip serves as the Varsity Defensive Backs coach, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the Howell High School football program. A proud alumnus of the school, Coach Cullip continued his football career at Olivet College, graduating in 2016. With a 10-year tenure coaching within the program, he is deeply committed to the development and success of our student-athletes. Outside of his coaching duties, Coach Cullip has four years of professional experience in logistics at RXO.

Alvey Thompson

Program Leadership & Character

Alvey Thompson enters his second year on the coaching staff, bringing over 13 years of elite sports performance coaching experience working with athletes from youth ranks to the professional level, including the NFL, MLB, and WTA. A 2007 graduate of Cypress Bay High School, where he earned All-County honors in Broward County, Thompson went on to play as a defensive lineman at Georgetown University, earning his degree in 2011 as a four-year letterman in football. Outside of athletics, he works as a health coach and advisor for executives, attorneys, and entrepreneurs. Alvey and his wife, Alejandra, live with their son, Zion.

JV

Marty Smith

JV Head Coach, Defensive Coordinator

Marty is the JV Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator. He has 19 years of coaching experience in Howell, including coaching in HAJFL for four years, and coaching softball at Howell (2009-2017) and Cleary University (2015-2026). A 1983 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School, where he played football and baseball, Marty continued his education at Grand Valley State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Police Administration in 1987. Alongside his coaching, Marty has served as a police officer for 40 years, and is currently the Police Chief of Northfield Township. Marty and his wife Beth have two children, Brian (married to Megan) and Tara (married to Gunnar), and three grandsons, twins Brady and Calvin, and Rave.

Matthew Haydon

JV Offensive Coordinator

Matthew Haydon serves as the JV Offensive Coordinator, entering his seventh season with the program. A proud native of the Upper Peninsula, Coach Haydon graduated as the Co-Salutatorian from West Iron County High School in 2000. He went on to attend Saginaw Valley State University, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and graduating with Cum Laude honors. This season marks Coach Haydon's 12th year coaching high school football, bringing deep tactical knowledge to the offense. His coaching philosophy is rooted in his own playing experience as a high school Quarterback and Cornerback. Outside of football, he has spent 20 years working in automotive lending technology. Matthew lives with his wife, Nicole, and their two Boxer dogs, Tyson and Stella.

"Every problem is an opportunity in disguise." - President John Adams

Sean Sabin

JV Offensive Line

Sean Sabin is in his fourth year of coaching, currently serving as the Junior Varsity Offensive Line Coach. A proud alumnus of Howell High School (Class of 2010), Sean played football at CUAA in 2012 and 2013 before graduating from Central Michigan University in 2016. When he isn't on the sidelines developing the next generation of linemen, Sean works as a Project Manager for the D.F. Best Company. He is happily married to his wife, Madeline.

Logan Tennis

Freshman Offensive Line, Freshman/JV Special Teams Coordinator

Logan Tennis enters his second year with the program, bringing a wealth of coaching and playing experience to his roles as the Freshman Offensive Line Coach and Freshman/JV Special Teams Coach. A proud alumnus of Plymouth High School, Logan anchored the Wildcats' line as a Left Guard and Defensive Tackle before being recruited to play Offensive Line at Trine University. He later transferred to Western Michigan University, graduating in 2023. Logan’s coaching journey began where his playing career started, serving as an assistant at Plymouth High School under Coach Lewis from 2018 to 2019. He went on to coach with the Plymouth-Canton Steelers (2023–2024) before coming to Howell. Outside of football, Logan has worked in product development and warehouse operations for ACME Partyworks since 2019.

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard."

Larry Jones

JV Running Backs, Defensive Backs

Larry Jones enters his second year with the program, bringing over 15 years of coaching expertise to his role as the JV Defensive Backs and Running Backs Coach. Coach Jones graduated from Roseville High School in 1987 before continuing his education at Macomb Community College. He has dedicated over a decade and a half to youth football development, serving as both a Head Coach and Assistant Coach within the HJAFL. In addition to his commitment to football, Larry brings a strong work ethic from a distinguished 32-year career with AT&T. He is supported by his family: his wife, Susan, their daughter, Kaylea, and their two sons, Larry III and Justin.

"You can’t expect to play hard if you practice soft!!!"

Freshman

Jordan Bentley

Freshman Head Coach

Jordan Bentley serves as the Freshman Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, bringing over a decade of coaching and educational experience to the program. A 2001 graduate of Hudsonville High School, Jordan went on to earn degrees from Grand Valley State University in both 2006 and 2012. He spent five years as the Freshman Head Coach at Pinckney High School and is now in his sixth year overall as a freshman head coach. Off the field, Jordan is dedicated to student success as a Counselor at Howell High School. He and his wife, Jessica, are the proud parents of their son, Ryker.

Philip Ferguson

Freshman Defensive Coordinator

Philip Ferguson enters his seventh year with the program (2020 to present) serving as the freshman defensive coordinator, bringing an incredible wealth of football knowledge spanning over four decades. A 1973 graduate of Richmond High School in Michigan, Ferguson went on to attend Ferris State College in 1976 and Eastern Michigan University in 1993. As a player, he saw action over 4 years in high school, 2 years in college, and 2 years in semi-pro football, lining up at quarterback, linebacker, and defensive back. He also served as the owner and player-head coach of the San Diego Sabres in the HDCFL semi-pro league from 1981 to 1983.

Coach Ferguson's extensive coaching journey since 1980 includes working as a varsity, JV, and freshman head coach or assistant across 11 different high schools in both California and Michigan. Professionally, he is a retired high school math teacher. Away from the field, Philip has three children—Grace, Frank, and Michael—and one grandchild, Vivian.

Matthew Morton

Freshman Running Backs, Linebackers

Matthew Morton joins the staff as the Freshman Assistant Coach, working with the running backs and linebackers. A 1989 graduate of Wayne Memorial High School, Coach Morton is a retired U.S. Army Veteran who honorably served his country through three combat deployments during the Iraq War, earning two campaign Bronze Stars.Now in his first year with the program, he brings a wealth of leadership experience, having previously served as the freshman head football coach at both Westland John Glenn and Ann Arbor Pioneer. Off the field, Matthew is the proud father of three daughters—all successful college graduates from Michigan State University, Ferris State University, and the University of Texas.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader."

Marc King

Freshman Tight Ends, Defensive Backs, Special Teams

Marc King enters his seventh year with the program, bringing nearly a decade of coaching experience to his role as the Freshman Defensive Backs, Tight Ends, and Special Teams Coach. Coach King’s deep roots in local football began at Howell High School, where he played Running Back and Defensive Back before graduating in 1993. He went on to play four years as a Defensive Back at Adrian College, graduating in 1998. With nine years of total coaching experience split between Howell and Pinckney, Coach King is a vital asset to the staff and a dedicated mentor to young athletes. Beyond the gridiron, he has served his community for 26 years in law enforcement, working with both the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and the Mason Police Department. Coach King and his wife, Karissa, have two daughters, Kara (19) and Khloe (16).

Logan Tennis

Freshman Offensive Line, Freshman/JV Special Teams Coordinator

Logan Tennis enters his second year with the program, bringing a wealth of coaching and playing experience to his roles as the Freshman Offensive Line Coach and Freshman/JV Special Teams Coach. A proud alumnus of Plymouth High School, Logan anchored the Wildcats' line as a Left Guard and Defensive Tackle before being recruited to play Offensive Line at Trine University. He later transferred to Western Michigan University, graduating in 2023. Logan’s coaching journey began where his playing career started, serving as an assistant at Plymouth High School under Coach Lewis from 2018 to 2019. He went on to coach with the Plymouth-Canton Steelers (2023–2024) before coming to Howell. Outside of football, Logan has worked in product development and warehouse operations for ACME Partyworks since 2019.

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard."

Chris Ferris

Freshman Offensive/Defensive Line

Chris Ferris enters his seventh year on the freshman coaching staff working with the offensive and defensive lines, bringing a wealth of experience from both the local community and the gridiron. A 1984 graduate of Brighton High School, Ferris played four years as a defensive back and helped make history as part of the first Brighton team to go undefeated and reach the state playoffs. He went on to graduate from Central Michigan University in 1989. Prior to joining the high school staff, Ferris spent 13 years coaching with HAJFL for Howell Green. Professionally, he has worked as a Supply Chain Analyst for KemKrest for the last 27 years. Chris and his wife, Kay, have three sons—Brian, Justin, and Evan—and a grandson, Coen.

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