Courtesy of Travis McCurdy, Northwood Sports Information Director
MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced that Leonard Haynes will serve as Interim Head Football Coach for the 2015 season.
"Leonard Haynes is the ideal person to lead our football program," said Dave Marsh, Northwood Athletic Director. "He has been a true Timberwolf for over twenty years, working side-by-side with Coach Riepma in helping establish a culture of winning, developing young men and making a difference."
Haynes has been a mainstay on the Northwood football staff for two decades. The 2015 season will be his 21st at Northwood. Haynes has served multiple roles on the staff over the years. Recently, he has been the Assistant Head Coach, recruiting coordinator and defensive line coach. Haynes has been a part of coaching staffs that won three GLIAC Championships and reached the NCAA Playoffs four times.
Three former Northwood defensive linemen that were coached by Haynes have earned chances to play in the NFL. Dedrick Roper spent a pair of seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Chris Wilson became a key player for the Washington Redskins, while Kyle Clement signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
A four-year letterman who graduated from Northwood in 1994, Haynes started every year of his career at defensive tackle. During his career, he posted 255 tackles with 28 tackles for losses. He registered 97 tackles and three sacks his senior year and was selected Second Team All-MIFC.
"I would like to thank Dave Marsh and the entire administration at Northwood University for this opportunity," said Haynes. "Northwood and the Midland community have been great to my family. I'm looking forward to leading the football program this season.
"To take over for Pat Riepma is a big challenge but also a tremendous honor. We will continue to keep fighting and make a difference every day."
The Detroit native earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Management from Northwood in 1994. Haynes also earned his MBA in International Business from Salem International in 2010. He is also active on campus as a director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Haynes and his wife, Ayana, are parents of four children - Chinara, Jonathan, Adia and Donovan. The family resides in Midland.
"Coach Haynes is a man of integrity, loyalty, and work ethic," said Marsh. "He has a great connection with the student-athletes and is well-respected at Northwood. I am confident in his leadership through this challenging time, and in his ability to rally our team.
"We are blessed to have a veteran coaching staff that bonded together under difficult circumstances this past year. I am confident that under Coach Haynes' leadership the staff, and team, will continue to make positive strides forward as a program."
Northwood opens its 2015 season September 5 with a home game against Nor
