Leonard Haynes Named Head Football Coach

MIDLAND, MICH. – The Northwood University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced Leonard Haynes as the head coach of the football program.

Haynes served as the interim head coach for the 2015 season. The interim title has been removed and he will be  at the helm of the team going forward. He took over for the late Pat Riepma in the summer of 2015. Haynes led Northwood University to five wins this season and a tie for sixth place overall in the 15-team Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

"Leonard Haynes did a tremendous job under very difficult circumstances this season," said Dave Marsh, Northwood University Athletic Director. "We are very excited about the future of our program under his leadership. He is a true Timberwolf and the ideal person to lead our football program."

Haynes has been a mainstay on the Northwood University football staff for two decades, as the 2015 season was his 21st at Northwood. Haynes has served multiple roles on the staff over the years. Prior to his time as the interim head coach, Haynes 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 University 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 University 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.

"First and foremost, I would thank to thank god for all of these blessings," said Haynes "I would also like to thank President (Keith) Pretty and Dave Marsh for the opportunity to lead the Northwood University football program. This team has been near and dear to my heart for many years and I am elated to lead it to another chapter."

"Coach Haynes is a man of integrity, loyalty, and work ethic.  He is the type of person we look for in leading our program," said Marsh.  "He has a great connection with the student-athletes and is well-respected at Northwood, in our community and throughout the GLIAC.  I am very confident in his ability to lead us to a successful future."

The Detroit native earned his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing and Management from Northwood University 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.

ABOUT NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY

Northwood University is committed to the most personal attention to prepare students for success in their careers and in their communities; it promotes critical thinking skills, personal effectiveness, and the importance of ethics, individual freedom and responsibility.

Private, nonprofit, and accredited, Northwood University specializes in managerial and entrepreneurial education at a full-service, residential campus located in mid-Michigan. Adult Degree Programs are available in seven states with many course delivery options including online. The DeVos Graduate School offers day, evening, weekend programming in Michigan and Texas, and online. The Michigan-based Alden B. Dow Center for Creativity and Enterprise provides system-wide expertise in family enterprise, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation, and new business development. International education is offered through study abroad and in Program Centers in Switzerland, China (Changchun and Wuxi), Malaysia and Sri Lanka.     

For additional information regarding Northwood University, go to www.northwood.edu