Howard University Men's Football

In January 2026, Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, interim president and president emeritus of Howard University, and Kery Davis, vice president and director of athletics, appointed Ted White (B.A.‘98) as the university’s 38th football head coach.   One of the most decorated student-athletes in Howard University and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) history, White returns to The Mecca with two decades of collegiate and professional coaching experience and a deep understanding of what it means to lead at Howard. White arrives in Washington, D.C., with a reputation as a strong recruiter, culture builder, and mentor. He is known for emphasizing accountability, academic achievement, and competitive excellence while preparing student athletes for life beyond football.   In 2025, he was an offensive assistant at the University of Maryland and quarterbacks coach at UCLA during the 2024 campaign. UCLA saw solid play with starter Ethan Garbers throwing for 2,727 yards and 16 touchdowns while taking home UCLA's first-ever Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honor following his 383-yard, five-TD performance at Rutgers (Oct. 19). Backup Justyn Martin also stood out with a 22-for-30, 167-yard outing on the road at nationally-ranked Penn State when called into duty due to an injury to Garbers. At the end of the season, Garbers ranked top-five in the Big Ten Conference in completions per game (21.3, fourth), passing yards per game (247.9, fifth) and total offense per game (260.3, fourth). Garbers was voted the team's Offensive MVP at the program's postseason banquet. Overall, UCLA ranked No. 48 nationally, and No. 8 in the Big Ten, in passing offense at 242.2 yards per game.  Before a stint as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach with the NFL’s Houston Texans (2022), White was an offensive quality control coach at Maryland during the 2021 season. He helped in the development of Terrapin quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, who was awarded All-Big Ten honorable mention status after logging single-season program records for passing yards (3,860), completions (328), completion percentage (69.2%) and 300-yard passing games (seven). White also spent 2020 in the Washington metropolitan area, coaching quarterbacks for the XFL’s D.C. Defenders during their pandemic-shortened campaign. During the first of White’s two seasons as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Prairie View A&M. In 2018, Jalen Morton starred under center and piled up a single-season school record of 3,218 total offense yards (2,344 passing and 874 rushing). He also established a single-game program record with 255 rushing yards – while scoring four touchdowns on the ground – at Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a record had stood since 1953. White was associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Arkansas at Pine Bluff for two seasons (2016 & 2017), moving to interim head coach during the latter part of that tenure. The Golden Lions saw their scoring offense rise 7.4 points per game from 2016 to 2017. White was associate head coach, offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Howard (2011-15). In 2014, Howard led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) in total offense (384.8 yards per game) and first downs per game (22.0) while ranking third in rushing offense (189.3 yards per game) and passing offense (200.3 yards per game). The 2013 Bison also paced the MEAC in total offense (403.9 yards per game), along with third-down conversions (47.6%) and fourth-down conversions (68%). At the helm of that offense was MEAC Offensive Player of the Year Greg McGhee, who led the league in total offense (3,275 yards). In 2012, Howard’s 7-4 record represented its first winning season since 2004. White helped the 2011 group to five wins in his return to the Washington, D.C. campus, surpassing the program’s total of four victories achieved across the previous three years combined. McGhee was selected MEAC Rookie of the Year that season after finishing third in the conference with a total offense rate of 198.5 yards per game. White also guided a standout freshman in 2010, aiding Dray Joseph in his Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Offensive Rookie of the Year performance while co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Southern. White got his start in coaching when he headed up the quarterbacks and wide receivers rooms at Texas Southern (2006-08). He also interned for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders (2015), Minnesota Vikings (2012 & 2014) and Atlanta Falcons (2007 & 2008) and was a guest coach for the CFL’s Edmonton Eskimos (2010), Saskatchewan Roughriders (2010) and Winnipeg Bluebombers (2008). White finished his playing career with the CFL’s Montreal Alouettes, passing for 2,568 yards and 20 touchdowns (2003-05). His also had stints with NFL Europe’s Barcelona Dragons (2002) and Frankfurt Galaxy (2000). White’s NFL experience consisted of stops with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers organizations. White’s playing career at Howard remains one of the most accomplished in MEAC history. He set conference career records for passing yards (9,808), passing touchdowns (92), and completions, earning first-team Division I-AA All-America honors twice and being named MEAC Player of the Year and Black College Football Player of the Year in 1996. His impact helped define an era of Bison football excellence. White was born in Baton Rouge, La. and played football and basketball at Glen Oaks High School. WHITE'S COACHING EXPERIENCE 2006-08 – Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers, Texas Southern 2010 – Co-Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Southern 2011-15 – Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Howard 2016, 2017 – Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Arkansas at Pine Bluff 2017 – Interim Head Coach, Arkansas at Pine Bluff 2018, 2019 – Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Prairie View A&M 2020 – Quarterbacks, D.C. Defenders 2021 – Offensive Quality Control, Maryland 2022 – Offensive Assistant/Quarterbacks, Houston Texans 2024 – Quarterbacks, UCLA 2025 - Offensive Assistant, Maryland 2026 - Head Coach, Howard

In 2022, Janice Pettyjohn made headlines as the first woman hired full-time by the Howard University football program, serving has Director of On-Campus Recruiting and Assistant Director of Football Operations. Three years later (2025), Pettyjohn now serves as Director of Player Personnel and On-Campus Recruiting. The New Jersey native is responsible for on-campus recruiting, runs operations, such as maintenance of the football facilities and assists with the coordination for events. Pettyjohn graduated from Howard’s Sports Medicine Residency program with a minor in sociology.

In 2022, Kyshoen Jarrett joined the Howard University football team as defensive backs coach. Three seasons later (2025), he was promoted to defensive coordinator. In 2025, Howard defense ranked among the nation's best in several categories, including third down conversion percentage defense (13th), fourth down conversion percentage defense (24th), first down defense (6th), passing yards allowed (12th), red zone defense (26th), scoring defense (35th), sacks (25th) and total defense (23rd). Additionally, three Bison earned All-MEAC honors: Noah Miles (All-MEAC First Team); Kedrick Green (All-MEAC First Team) and Zuri Watson (All-MEAC Second Team). Watson was also a finalist for the Arenas Williams Award.  In 2024, Jarrett saw Kenny Gallop Jr. and Robert Jones III earn All-MEAC honors. Additionally, Gallop was named to BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team. In 2023, he coached Kenny Gallop Jr. and Carson Hinton to All-MEAC status en route to winning its second straight MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) championship. Furthermore, Gallop took home MEAC Defensive Player of the Year while earning BOXTOROW HBCU All-American honors. In 2022, Jarrett witnessed Kenny Gallop Jr. and Robert Jones III grab All-MEAC honors while guiding the program to its first conference title since 1993. Also, Gallop was selected to the BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team. Before Howard, Jarrett returned to Virginia Tech as assistant director of player personnel (2021). The Tannersville, Pennsylvania native coached defensive backs at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, Virginia during the 2016-17 seasons. He then returned to Washington’s NFL franchise as a defensive intern (2018) before serving as a defensive quality control coach/assistant defensive backs coach (2019). Jarrett was a sixth-round selection of the Washington Commanders in the 2015 NFL Draft.He played in all 16 games (six starts) for Washington in 2015, racking up 58 tackles (39 solo) before an injury concluded his playing career. At Virginia Tech, Jarrett led the Hokies with 88 tackles (52 solos) and three INTs as a senior team captain (2014). He saw duty in a total of 53 games in a Tech uniform, finishing his collegiate career with 249 tackles (155 solos), five INTs (48 yards) and 8.5 TFL, along with 26 punt returns for 324 yards, including a 94-yard TD. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in human development and family studies along with minors in sociology and communications.

Nicholas Gould enters his second stint with the Howard University football team, re-joining the program as tight ends coach (2022). In 2024, Gould moved to outside linebacker coach. A year later (2025), he was promoted to recruiting coordinator and linebacker coach. In 2024, Gould saw Terrance Hollon earn All-MEAC Second Team after recording a MEAC-leading four fumble recoveries, which ranked second in the nation. Additionally, Hollon was named a William V. Campbell Trophy Finalist. In 2023, he guided the Bison to their second straight MEAC (Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) Championship and first ever berth to the Cricket Celebration Bowl. In 2022, he coached Brennan Brown to All-MEAC First Team honors while helping the program win its first conference title since 1993. Before Howard, Gould served as an intern for the Bowie State Bulldogs defense during the 2014 season. He also served as a volunteer linebacker coach for Bowie State (Spring 2005). In 2013, Gould spent time as freshman Linebacker Coach at DeMatha Catholic High School. In 2012, Gould was awarded a Bachelor of Science in Social Science from the University of Maryland University College.

In 2024, the Howard University football team named Del Cowsette defensive line coach, providing extensive experience, unwavering dedication and passion for the game. In 2025, Noah Miles made the All-MEAC First Team. In his first season, he mentored Noah Miles and Jamel Stewart to All-MEAC status.   Cowsette brings a remarkable blend of experience as both a player and a coach. With an extensive background in collegiate and professional football, Cowsette is committed to developing the next generation of defensive talent.   Cowsette was a four-year standout at the University of Maryland where he excelled as a defensive tackle (1996-99). His leadership qualities were evident as he was named team captain in his senior year while earning First Team All-ACC honors. During his time at Maryland, Cowsette recorded impressive statistics, ranking 12th all-time at the university with 31 tackles for loss. In 1999, he tied for the team lead with six sacks, showcasing his prowess as a disruptive force on the defensive line.   After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in geography (with double minors in sociology and graphic design), Cowsette was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the 2000 NFL Draft. He played seven season in the league (2000-06) with several NFL teams, including the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears. Cowsette's experience as a professional player provided him with invaluable insights into the intricacies of the game at the highest level.   Cowsette began his coaching career in 2007, initially serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach at his alma mater, the University of Maryland. He quickly transitioned to a role as an assistant defensive line coach (2008-09) where he continued to share his knowledge and passion for the game with young athletes.   Cowsette's coaching journey includes notable roles at Hampton University where he played a pivotal role in the development of All-American players and contributed to the team's defensive success. His guidance helped propel the Pirate defense to national prominence, finishing in the top three nationally in total defense in 2010. Notably, under his leadership, players like Kenrick Ellis and Brandon Peguese earned prestigious accolades and recognition for their outstanding performances on the field.   Beyond his coaching duties, Cowsette remains actively involved in the football community. As a co-founder of the Premiere Intermediate Football League and the owner of the non-profit youth organization In Between the Lines, he is dedicated to supporting and nurturing young athletes both on and off the field.