Hickory, N.C. – Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Mike Houston has been promoted to Assistant Head Football Coach, Head Coach Fred Goldsmith announced today. Houston just completed his third season with the Bears and will retain his duties as Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach.
“Mike was such an outstanding high school football coach,” said Goldsmith. “He now has got the experience to take on and handle the day-to-day operations of the team in my absence. I have respected his capabilities as our defensive coordinator and secondary coach and feel he is deserving of this promotion.”
Houston served as Associate Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator for Brevard College in 2006 and was T.C. Roberson High School’s Head Coach from 2001 to 2005.
At the Asheville, N.C., high school, Houston compiled a 42-18 record (5-4 in the playoffs) and finished with the highest winning percentage in school history.
Houston was named the Times News Area Coach Of The Year in 2002 and 2004 while the ’04 squad was T.C. Roberson’s best ever as the Rams finished 13-1 and advanced to the state semifinals.
Houston was also an Assistant Coach for the 2005 North Carolina Shrine Bowl Staff and helped lead North Carolina to a 27-21 victory over South Carolina.
Houston spent five years (1996-00) as T.C. Roberson’s Defensive Coordinator before taking over the head job.
Houston, a 1994 graduate of Mars Hill with a bachelor’s degree in biology, was a tight end on the Lions’ squad.
Houston and his wife, Amanda, have one child, Owen Michael.