Howard Feggins is in his third season on the NSU football coaching staff. After serving as wide receivers coach in his first season on staff, Feggins was promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2012 campaign.
Last year, the Spartans ranked third in the MEAC in passing offense (181.9 ypg) and had a pair of all-conference selections in tight end Joseph Hawkins (first team) and receiver Xavier Boyce (second team).
Feggins was on staff for four straight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference football championship teams from 2008-11. In 2011, Feggins helped tutor a very productive NSU receiving corps during his first year with the program. The Spartans led the MEAC in passing offense, averaging 236.6 yards per game en route to the conference title. Leading the way for the wideouts was Boyce, who earned first-team All-MEAC and Black College All-America honors after hauling in 68 passes, a new school Division I season record. Boyce finished his two-year NSU career fourth on the all-time school list for career receptions (126).
Prior to joining the Spartans’ staff, Feggins spent three seasons as receivers coach and passing game coordinator at South Carolina State. There, he helped the Bulldogs capture at least a share of three consecutive MEAC championships.
In addition to helping the Bulldogs win three conference titles, Feggins coached three wideouts who signed NFL contracts in Tre Young (Carolina Panthers), Terrance Smith (Green Bay Packers) and Phillip Morris (Tennessee Titans). Feggins also helped tutor All-MEAC first-team pick Lennel Elmore in 2010.
Prior to coaching at SCSU, Feggins spent four seasons (2004-07) at Eastern Michigan University of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Feggins was offensive coordinator and receivers coach from 2004-06, then coached the EMU running backs in 2007. Feggins’ 2004 offensive unit ranked 21st in the nation in total offense (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 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.
Feggins and his wife, Renee, have two sons – Kevin (20), a Norfolk State student, and Jensen (16). The family resides in Fort Thomas, Ky.
