2008 Assistant Coaches
Eric Howell
Defensive Coordinator & Head Strength and Conditioning
Education: Graduated from Ouachita Christian High School in Monroe, Louisiana, and received his bachelor’s degree from Harding University in 1994.
Joined Staff: Spring 2007
Playing History: Howell was a four-year starter at linebacker for Harding University. He was elected as the team captain in 1993 and was an All-Conference and All-American selection.
Coaching History: Howell began his coaching career at Sterlington High School in Louisiana. He spent four years with Ouachita Christian as the linebackers and strength and conditioning coach before becoming a graduate assistant at Auburn University. While at Auburn Howell worked with Don Dunn and the defensive tackles and helped lead the Tigers to an 11-2 record in 2006, coupled with a Cotton Bowl victory over Nebraska.
Family: Eric and his wife Kristy are the proud parents of four children: Jon Aaron, Kyleb, Kason and Julia.
Gregg Baker
Running Game Coordinator & Offensive Line
Education: Graduated in 1985 from Montgomery’s Carver High School. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University Montgomery in 1990.
Joined Staff: February 2008
Playing Career: Three-year starter for Davis Brock and Al Pickett at Carver High School. Selected as an Adidas /Sports Illustrated All- American in 1985. Received an athletic scholarship to Georgia Tech, where he played for Bill Curry.
Coaching History: Baker began his coaching career at Trinity Presbyterian School, where over his 13-year tenure he served as offensive coordinator, defensive coordinator and junior high head coach. Following his stay at Trinity, Baker spent two years as the head coach at Georgia Washington Junior High School, compiling a 13-2 record and a city championship. In 2002 Baker was the offensive coordinator at Jeff Davis High School, helping the Vols to a state runner-up finish in 2002. In 2005 Baker spent a year as the offensive line coach at Prattville High School before named the head coach at Alabama Christian Academy in 2006.
Fmaily: Gregg has been married for 17 years to the former Dana Kirk of Montgomery, Ala.
Dean Briggs
Linebackers
Education: Graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in Montgomery, Alabama, and received his bachelor’s degree in History from Troy University Montgomery
Joined Staff: Spring 2007
Coaching History: Briggs began his coaching career at Evangel Christian Academy in 2002 where he worked with the offensive line and served as the defensive coordinator. In 2003 he worked with the offensive line and linebackers at Hooper Academy where he also coordinated the defense for the junior varsity program. Briggs returned to his previous role at Evangel Christian in 2004. In 2005 he became the head junior varsity coach and linebackers coach at Macon East Academy.
Family: Dean has a son, Joey, and a daughter, Rachel Lynn
Cam Clark
Defensive Backs / Special Teams
Education: Graduated from Calhoun High School in Calhoun, Georgia, and received his bachelor's degree from Harding University in 2007.
Joined Staff: Spring 2008
Playing History: Clark was a four-year letterman at safety and cornerback for Harding University.
Family: Son of Dain and Joy Clark.
Chad Franklin
Defensive Line / Assistant Strength Coach
Education: Graduated from Hewitt-Trussville High School, in Trussville AL. Received bachelor's degree from Faulkner University in 2007.
Joined Staff: Fall '07
Coaching History: Franklin began his coaching career by coaching the Defensive Line in 2007.
Playing History: .Played baseball at Faulkner from 2004 to 2007.
Family: Son of Dennis and Sandra Franklin.
Blake Boren
Wide Receivers
Education:
Joined Staff:
Coaching History:
Family:
Heath Stripling
Running Backs
Education: Pinson Valley High 1997
Joined Staff: Jan 08
Coaching History: Stripling helped coach wrestling at Hewitt-Trussville and at Moddy High School. He also helped with football at Hewitt-Trussville.
Family: Son of Dale and Becke Stripling
Playing History: .Stripling played baseball at Faulkner in 1997.
Donald Johnson
Offensive Line
Education:
Joined Staff:
Coaching History:
Family:
Playing History: .
