CONWAY -- The final two pieces of the puzzle are now in place for the University of Central Arkansas' football coaching staff as head coach Nathan Brown announced the hiring of Reggie Howard and Mark Sheridan.
Howard, who comes to Central Arkansas from the University of Memphis where he was assistant defensive backs coach, will be in charge of the cornerbacks for the Bears. Sheridan will coach outside linebackers and bandits after serving as defensive quality control coach at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Howard was a defensive back at the Memphis when he had a serious injury during his senior season. He attacked his rehabilitation and went on to play six years in the NFL for the Carolina Panthers and the Miami Dolphins.
Memphis selected Howard for its Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2004. He finished his professional career with 257 career tackles, six interceptions and four forced fumbles. He intercepted a pass from New England's Tom Brady for the Panthers during the 2004 Super Bowl.
"Reggie brings a wealth of experience at the corners spot," said Brown, who took over the UCA program in December. "He played 6 or 7 years in the NFL and had a great career. He played on the biggest stages football can offer. He intercepted Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. He has knowledge of playing the position, therefore he will hold instant credibility in the room when he gets in front of our defensive backs.
"He came from a great program at the University of Memphis, where they have won a lot of football games over the last couple years under (former UCA Bear) coach (Mike) Norvell. Coach Norvell had nothing but great things to say about Reggie. I am excited to watch our corners unit develop and blossom under his leadership."
Before his stint at Arkansas, Sheridan spent the 2015 season as a graduate assistant for defense at Purdue, where he worked primarily with the secondary. He joined the Boilermakers' staff after serving as cornerbacks coach at his alma mater, Albion College, during the 2014 season
The native of Ann Arbor, Mich., was a four-year letter-winner at safety for the Britons from 2010-13 and was elected team captain by his teammates as a senior in 2013. Sheridan also helped Albion to Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships in 2011 and 2013.
"Mark comes from a great coaching family," said Brown. "His dad Bill Sheridan is the linebackers coach for the Detroit Lions. He has grown up around football and that's all his family knows.
"He had an opportunity over the past couple years to gain Power 5 coaching experience at the University of Arkansas and Purdue University. He is a bright young mind on the defensive side of the ball and we couldn't be more happy to have aboard."
Brown, who signed 12 players in the NCAA's new early signing period in December, said he is happy to complete his first staff as head coach at his alma mater.
"I am really excited about the way our staff has rounded out,' he said. "We have put great detail into hiring this staff. We wanted men that have a background in our recruiting footprint and men that have a passion for coaching young people to get better in football. I have no doubt that this group of coaches are as good as any staff in the country.
"I can't wait to get to work with these guys and put the highest quality football team on the field next year."
Sports on 01/19/2018