NORFOLK, Va. — Norfolk State head football coach Pete Adrian announced Wednesday that wide receivers coach Howard Feggins has been named the team's new offensive coordinator.
Feggins replaces Joe Blackwell, who served in the capacity on an interim basis for part of the 2010 season and all of 2011.
“Howard has been an offensive coordinator at the Division I level before, and he and I have a lot in common with our approach to offense,” Adrian said. “He likes a diverse offense where you do what the situation calls for. He likes a mix of the spread like we've been running, with some multiple-back formations as well. Howard is also very experienced and relates well to our players.”
Feggins joined the Spartans' coaching staff for the 2011 season after a three-year tenure as receivers coach and passing game coordinator at South Carolina State. Feggins made an immediate impact at NSU. Under his tutelage, Xavier Boyce was a first-team All-MEAC selection after setting a new single-season Division I NSU record with 68 receptions. Boyce and teammate Victor Hairston both ranked in the league's top 10 in receptions as the Spartans led the MEAC in passing offense. NSU won its first-ever MEAC title this past season, meaning Feggins has coached on the staffs of the last four MEAC champions.
“I am excited that coach Adrian has given me this opportunity. To be a part of last year's MEAC championship team has given me the opportunity to evaluate the offense's strengths and weaknesses,” Feggins said. “Our focus is to get better fundamentally at all positions and to cut down on our mistakes. Our offense will be exciting…expect the unexpected.”
This will be Feggins' second stint as an offensive coordinator at the Division I level. Feggins also held that title from 2004-06 at Eastern Michigan of the Mid-American Conference. In his first year in that role, Feggins' offense ranked 21st in the nation (D-I FBS) in total offense, averaging 427.9 yards per game. One of his pupils, Eric Deslauriers, was named to the watch list for the Biletnikoff Award, given annually to the top receiver in the nation. Deslauriers tallied over 1,200 receiving yards that season and was a first-round pick of the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League Draft. Feggins coached four years total at EMU and tutored the running backs during his final year there (2007).
Feggins also had a successful stint as receivers coach at Northwestern from 1999-2004. He helped the Wildcats capture a share of the 2000 Big Ten title and a berth in the Alamo Bowl. He tutored three All-Big Ten picks at Northwestern, including Kunle Patrick, who tied the NCAA record of 47 straight games with a reception. Another of Feggins' all-conference players at Northwestern, Sam Simmons, was a fifth-round draft choice of the Miami Dolphins in 2002.
Prior to his tenure at Northwestern, Feggins spent two seasons as a receivers coach at Miami of Ohio. While with the Redhawks, Feggins coached Trevor Gaylor, who went on to become a third-round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers in the 2000 NFL Draft.
Feggins got his coaching start as defensive backs and kick returners coach at Wingate University in N.C. from 1995-96. While at Wingate, Feggins mentored Dorian Lake, who became the school's first-ever All-American on defense.
A 1987 graduate of the University of North Carolina, Feggins was a four-year letterwinner for the Tar Heels. A cornerback and strong safety, Feggins totaled 169 tackles during his career. As a sophomore, he ranked sixth on the team with 83 tackles. During Feggins' junior year, the Tar Heels posted a 7-4-1 record and played in the Aloha Bowl. He earned his bachelor's degree in education.
Feggins played briefly in the NFL with the New England Patriots and New York Giants. He also spent two seasons with the London Monarchs of the now-defunct World League of American Football.
