Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) landed another former professional athlete familiar with the Triangle as their next football coach.
The SAU Department of Athletics announced Howard A. Feggins as the leader of the Falcons during a special press conference on Thursday, March 23, 2023. Feggins has four decades of football experience as a coach, player, and athletic consultant.
A former defensive back at the University of North Carolina and in the NFL with the New York Giants and New England Patriots, Feggins spent last season as the offensive coordinator at Fayetteville State University. With Feggins as offensive coordinator, the Broncos went undefeated in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division. In addition, they ranked second in total offense en route to their 2022 CIAA football championship. As a result, Feggins was also named the offensive coordinator for the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl in New Orleans, LA.
Before the Fayetteville State season, Feggins spent four seasons as an assistant football coach with Colorado State University-Pueblo from 2018-2021. During his first two years as running backs coach, the Thunderwolves won the 2018 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) championship, where two running backs, Marche Dennard and Bernard McDondle, earned invitations to the 2018 NFL Rookie Minicamp. In addition, his coaching led to Isaiah Diggs making 2019 All RMAC First Team Punt Returner and running back Austin Micci winning the 2019 RMAC Academic Offensive Player of the year. Furthermore, under his tutelage, CSU Pueblo Wide Receiver Dionte Sykes signed a 3-year Contract with Edmonton Elks in the Canadian Football League. Feggins spent his remaining years at CSU Pueblo as Returners Coach, Receivers Coach, and Offense Academic Liaison, resulting in a team GPA of 3.2. His experience also included serving as Community Service Liaison and Race Relations Liaison. In addition, he facilitated multiple zoom meetings on Race Issues in America with NFL Coaches and Youth Coaches.
Since 2015, he has owned SACS Sports, LLC, a consulting firm with parents and high school student-athletes to help them gain more exposure. He has also been an evaluation coach with NextGen All American Camp & The Show.
Feggins spent the 2014 season as the head coach at Warren Central High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He guided the team to a 6-5 season and a playoff appearance.
Before the season at Warren Central, Feggins had been in the college ranks since 1995. In addition to the coordinator (pass game and offensive) experience since 2004, he earned the NFL Minority Internship. He served as a training camp offensive assistant with the New England Patriots in 2003 and 2008.
Feggins spent four seasons with Norfolk State University from 2011-13. After serving as wide receivers coach in his first season on staff, Feggins was promoted to offensive coordinator for the 2012 campaign. He 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. As a result, the Spartans led the MEAC in passing offense, averaging 236.6 yards per game en route to the conference title.
Before joining the Spartans’ staff, Feggins spent three seasons as receivers coach and passing game coordinator at South Carolina State. He helped the Bulldogs capture at least a share of three consecutive MEAC championships there. In addition to supporting the Bulldogs win three conference titles, Feggins coached three wideouts who signed NFL contracts Tre Young (Carolina Panthers), Terrance Smith (Green Bay Packers), and Phillip Morris (Tennessee Titans). In 2009, the team led the MEAC in passing offense (219.91/game), total offense (378.36/game), scoring offense (32.00), passing efficiency (147.16/game), and sacks allowed (1.00).
Before 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 runningbacks 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. In addition, 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.
Before his tenure at Northwestern, Feggins spent two seasons as a receivers coach at Miami of Ohio (1997-98). While with the Redhawks, Feggins coached Trevor Gaylor, who became a third-round draft choice of the San Diego Chargers in the 2000 NFL Draft.
Feggins started 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 University of North Carolina graduate, Feggins was a four-year letter winner 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 and Jensen.
