DeSoto claims DC Mark Howeth from Highland Park

Looking for a state championship ring, DeSoto has added assistant Mark Howeth, who has helped schools win three of them.

"Desoto football is highly respected and performs at the highest level," Howeth said. "This is a place that I can make a difference and hopefully help them win a state championship."

Howeth is working with the Eagles this spring. Howeth has been part of state championship teams as an assistant at Highland Park, Duncanville and Denison. He's known for aggressive defensive which can easily shift from multiple fronts.

"I have been blessed to be able to win three and would like to be someone who could win four at four different places," Howeth said. "DeSoto is a first-class program. Coach (Claude )Mathis is a first-class coach and I am fortunate to be a part."

Howeth replaces former Desoto defensive coordinator Kendrick Brown, who was named head coach at Little Elm in February. Brown had been at DeSoto since 2011 and had a strong coaching pedigree as an assistant at Arlington Seguin and Hebron which are known for the physical styles of defense which helped lead DeSoto to the Class 5A state semifinals in 2013 with a 14-1 record.

Howeth is one of several changes to the Highland Park staff. To replace Howeth, Don Woods was named defensive coordinator from defensive line coach.

But Highland Park has four staff openings including Howeth. ohn Brinkley will become the offensive coordinator at Saginaw Chisholm Trail, Jim Randall has accepted the offensive coordinator post at Argyle Liberty Christian, and Charles Wheeler is set to become the defensive coordinator at Grapevine.

"I am happy that these coaches could reach their carer goals of being coordinators," said HP head coach Randy Allen. "Our coaches are in demand because they are good coaches and other schools want coaches from Highland Park."

John Brinkley let to become offensive coordinator at Saginaw Chisholm Trail under former HP coach Randall Hugg.

Jim Randall left to become Argyle Liberty Christian offensive coordinator.

Charles Wheeler is leaving to become defensive coordinator at Grapevine under new coach Randy Jackson.