Howell Resigns After 2 Seasons as Foothill Coach

Jerry Howell has resigned as Foothill High School’s football coach after 2 seasons.

Howell compiled a 9-12 record at Foothill, but led the Knights to the Division III playoffs in 1988 with a third-place finish in the Century League. Foothill lost in the first round, ending a 5-6 season.

Howell, 43, was hired in June of 1987 from Eastern Oregon State, where he had failed to win a football game on the field in 3 years. Eastern Oregon State was 1-25-3 under Howell, the only victory a 2-0 forfeit by Southern Oregon in 1984.

Howell, who replaced highly successful Ted Mullen at Foothill, was 4-6 in his first season, the Knights’ first losing season since 1979.

“Jerry came from out of the area and arrived late, so from the start, hiring a good staff was a problem,” said Jim Ryan, Foothill principal. “He was under some pressure, but any coach in Orange County is under pressure when his program isn’t successful.”

Ryan said Howell also resigned his teaching position and the school will begin taking applications for coaches with a teaching position available. Howell could not be reached for comment.