Even Doman got two years - and Doman was way worse than Howell supposedly is. Jamie Hill had obvious problems. The problems CB sees with Howell are mostly people posting their opinion and finding fault where there really isn't any.
Is Howell a great coach? I don't know, but there is a great defensive coach who does know. He also knows where the problems were with the defense this season. The people who are so quick to call for Howell's head are pretty much ignoring current and past players pointing out that he is not the problem.