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Despite receiving the Bergen County Coaches Association (BCCA) highest honor, Howell remains humble.
"There were a ton of other quality coaches out there that are deserving of this award," said Howell, a first-time recipient of the award. "I was just fortunate enough to have a very good team this year and the timing was right."
The award is based on a poll of all Bergen County football coaches, which Howell says makes it that much sweeter.
"The best part about it is I was chosen by my peers and there are so many other good football coaches in Bergen County."
Howell's Bulldogs went 10-1 on the season, losing the NJSIAA Section 2, Group 2 Championship game by a margin of 27-6 to Madison at Met Life Stadium earlier this month.
Howell began his coaching career at RHS in 2006 as the defensive coordinator. He's lead the Bulldogs to three league championships — (NJIC Colonial) in 2010, 2011 and 2015 — and two undefeated regular seasons since becoming head coach in 2009.
The New York Giants also honored Howell as the “The Lou Rettino High School Football Coach of the Week" after his Bulldogs shutout the Lyndhurst Golden Bears 35-0 last month.
The coach received a certificate of recognition signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin and a $1,000 check granted to the Bulldogs football program.
Still, Howell attributes his success to his team.
"The people who are more deserving of the award are my players obviously and my coaching staff," he said. "That is where the credit is due."
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