WASHINGTON (September 14, 2017) – Saturday afternoon's showdown between the steadfast Howard Bison and No. 6 Richmond features HU Head Football Coach Mike London taking on his alma mater and the university where he started his coaching career.
 
A native of Hampton, Va., London played defensive back at Richmond from 1979-82. Under head coach Dal Shealy, he led the Spiders with six interceptions as a senior captain in 1982. In addition to earning all-state honors, he was chosen as the team's Most Valuable Player and received the Spiders' Coaches Award that same year. In 1982, the Virginia Peninsula Sports Club selected him as the male in-state athlete of the year.
 
"I'm a local product," said London. "I went to two high schools. I went to Tabb first until my dad retired from the Air Force, then I went to Bethel in my senior year. I was recruited by Richmond and I wanted to stay in state so my family could see me play. Richmond offered me a scholarship and recruited me to play defensive back."
 
In 1983, London graduated from Richmond with a bachelor's degree in sociology and a year later received a degree in law enforcement from the Richmond Police Academy, serving as a detective for the street crimes unit from November 1984 to July 1989.
 
London broke into the collegiate coaching ranks in 1989, spending two seasons with Richmond as the outside linebackers coach and admissions liaison. Later after four seasons at William & Mary (1991-94), he returned to Richmond for two additional seasons (1995-96) as the outside linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. Producing  All-America linebacker Shawn Barber, who would later become a fourth-round draft pick by the Washington Redskins in 1998 and played 10 years in the NFL.
 
In 2008, London was elevated to head coach of the Spiders, where he led his alma mater to its first Football Championship Series (FCS) National Title. In two seasons, he guided the program to a 24-5 overall record and two FCS Playoff appearances. In 2009, Richmond held the No. 1 spot on the FCS polls for nine consecutive weeks.
 
"Anything that you're building or part of, you always reflect back on the journey," London stated. "When you go through the highs and lows, wins and losses, and it captivates into winning a national championship, those are the things that you remember."
 
Entering Saturday's matchup, London leads Howard University into Richmond after two impeccable performances against two FBS opponents (UNLV and Kent State) in back-to-back weeks.
 
"When you look at our schedule, very challenging," London said. "As I said before, I am very proud of my team taking on two FBS programs while winning one and being in the game to the very end in the other. Now, you're challenging a highly ranked FCS program. The biggest thing for us is improving from game-to-game. I want us to play our best game going forward."
 
Coach London understands his squad will be taking on another highly talented football team, however, he knows in order to come away victorious HU will need to execute and capitalize on big plays.
 
"In order for us to win, we must create explosive plays," London stressed. "That's the most critical thing for us so Caylin Newton can run the ball beyond the line of scrimmage. Anthony Philyaw running on the edge, up-the-middle, or receiving out of the backfield and throwing the ball to Kyle Anthony so he can go get it."
 
Coach London is optimistic that the Bison can sustain the success created in week one with the 43-40 victory over UNLV into Richmond. The team's motto #MissionPossible has demonstrated London's commitment in bringing the program back to the years of notoriety and success.
 
"Again, I would like to thank President Frederick and Kery Davis for their confidence and belief in me," London said. "This is a new team, new staff, new culture so people ask 'why' and I answer 'why not.' As we approached the last two games, we're in it to win it."
 
Saturday's road game at Richmond is sold out, however, a very limited numbers tickets are available for purchase through HU's Department of Athletics. For more information, please contact Ariel Germain, Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, via phone, 202-515-6623 or email, ariel.germain@howard.edu.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.