Howard Names Rayford T. Petty As Head Football Coach

Howard University has named Rayford T. Petty as its new head football coach.

Rayford Petty

Petty, 45, comes to Howard after serving as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Norfolk State University for the past two years. Under his leadership, the defense finished second in the MEAC in 2001.

Petty is no stranger to Howard University. Prior to his stay at Norfolk State, he served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Bison from 1992-99. Petty was instrumental in the team's success during that period as Howard won Black National championships in both 1993 and 1996.

"I have waited a long time for this opportunity," said Petty, who has served as an assistant coach for 18 years. "There is a good nucleus of quality players returning to this program and that makes it even more exciting."

Petty added, " I am not coming here to just have a program; I am looking to take it to the level where it was during the 1990s when we won championships."

The Bison return several starters on defense, including junior linebacker Tracy, who was recently selected both the MEAC and Sheridan Broadcasting Network (SBN) Black College Defensive Player of the Year.

"The players know and respect Coach Petty," said White. "He brings a no- nonsense attitude and that's what we need to turn things around."

Petty has paid his dues over the years, serving as head football coach at Forestville (MD) High (1990-92), as assistant coach at Southern University (1988-90) and as defensive coordinator and linebacker coach at North Carolina A&T (1982-88).

Petty is a native of Tryon, NC and has a bachelor's degree in physical education from Elon College (1979) and a masters in physical education from North Carolina A&T (1986). Petty is married and has two children.

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