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Howell’s coming home – and not just for the holidays.
Earlier this week, general manager and head coach Dave Dickenson announced his coaching staff for the 2025 season which included six additions to his brass, among them the return of Markus Howell who will serve as receivers coach after a three-year stay in Edmonton.
Prior to his coaching career, which also included stints in BC and Winnipeg, Howell performed as a triple threat for the Red and White between 2007-2011, taking snaps as a receiver, defensive back and kick returner while winning a Grey Cup championship in the process.
“It’s like a homecoming,” said Howell. “I’ve been in the league for a while coaching, and Dave and I have had a few conversations during the off-season over the past few years about possibly joining the staff and for whatever reason it didn’t work out.
“But this cycle seemed to fit perfectly, and I’m headed back home.”
Sure, Howell may be a product of Winnipeg, and although he spent 11 years of his playing and coaching career combined for the Blue and Gold, Calgary’s always held a special place in his heart.
“I had my best playing years as a professional player in Calgary, I got to play with a lot of outstanding athletes, and we won a lot of ball games,” said Howell. “I won a Grey Cup there in 2008, offensively I got to play with Henry Burris, Joffrey Reynolds, Ken-Yon Rambo, Nik Lewis and all those guys.
“I was a three-way player, so I got to really mingle with the team on offence and defence, got to return kicks under coach Craig Dickenson, so I was able to bounce around and meet a lot of the guys and it was an awesome time.”
Due to his experience with the organization, Howell understands the expectations that come with repping the white horse and is ready to take his talents on the field to the sideline in his second tour of duty with the club.
“I know the history, and I know the standard,” he said. “I know the bar is set high in Calgary and I’m not scared to meet that challenge and that’s what I told Dave when we talked this off-season.
“I understand what the expectations are walking into that building and I welcome that challenge.”
At the conclusion of the 2024 campaign, the ‘Double E’ led the league in passing touchdowns with 35, and veteran wideout Geno Lewis finished first in touchdowns amongst receivers with 10.
Bringing a fresh voice south down the QEII, Howell is looking forward to collaborating with offensive coordinator Pat DelMonaco and quarterbacks coach Beau Baldwin this upcoming season.
“We hopped on a Zoom this off-season … and they’re willing to adopt some new ideas and some new views and hopefully I can help in that department.”
While the contracts of Jalen Philpot and Marken Michel are set to expire in February, pass catchers signed through the 2025 season do include All-CFL receiver Reggie Begelton, Malik Henry, Clark Barnes, Cam Echols, Ishmael Hyman and Erik Brooks.
Although Calgary fell behind in some categories last season, Howell is optimistic the talent is in the room to achieve the level of success that Stampeder faithful are used to.
“Those guys aren’t far off,” admitted Howell. “I know with the record, the wins weren’t there but as far as the talent, there’s a lot of talent in the building. I watched that group and receiving corps play for a while now and some of those guys I’ve coached.
“I’ve coached Cam Echols in BC when I was there, and I’ve watched Begelton over the years, and he’s been a top performer. I’m anxious to pick his brain and be an extension of my leadership onto the field.
“Malik Henry, hopefully he bounces back (from injury) because he’s a dynamic football player and threat, defences fear his speed and agility.
“I’m excited about the group, we’ll add some pieces and find some new blood, but I think the group is special and hopefully we can get this thing rolling on the right page.”