Howell's career at BYU didn't start at UConn. He has a body of work prior to this year that makes retaining him after one mediocre-to-bad season a reasonable, if not exactly bullet-proof, decision. The defense became truly elite immediately after Howell became a full-time secondary coach. Bronco wants the defense to be run as closely as possible to how he would do it, because he knows that way works. He thinks Howell is the best guy to do it. Based on the body of work since Howell got to BYU, and with the injuries to the defense this year, it's hard to say Bronco is wrong

I as much as anyone wish BYU would cough up $750k and go find a truly top-tier DC, but there is apparently a reason why we don't do that- likely because we can't afford it. So in lieu of that, Howell seems to be as good as anyone else. If our Defense stinks again next year, fair enough- time to move on.