Bridgeport ISD is excited to announce the hiring of Howard Putter as the new interim associate head soccer coach of the Bridgeport High School Boys Soccer program. Coach Putter has 36 years of experience in public education as both a teacher and coach, and 35 of those years were spent leading varsity boys soccer programs in three public school districts. Bridgeport ISD is extremely fortunate that he has agreed to come out of recent retirement to lead the boys soccer program. 

“We're thrilled to welcome Coach Putter to the Bridgeport High School team,” said BHS Principal Andrew Hohman. “As we embark on this journey, we anticipate the positive influence he'll bring to our students, both on and off the field. Together, we'll empower our athletes to reach new heights and achieve their fullest potential.”

During his time in public education, Coach Putter oversaw varsity soccer programs in El Paso, Keller and Northwest ISDs, earning a State Championship with Byron Nelson High School in 2014. He was named UIL NFHS State Coach of the Year in 2015 and made playoff appearances 30 times in 35 years.

Additionally, he has been named District Coach of the Year 16 times during the course of his career and has earned places in both Northwest ISD's Hall of Fame in 2023 and Keller ISD's Hall of Honor in 2004. He earned his Texas Teacher Certification in Physical Education and Health in 1985 after graduating from Fort Hayes State University in Hayes, Kansas.

Coach Putter's career began at El Paso High School in 1985 where he taught PE and served as middle school athletic coordinator in addition to being named head boys soccer coach. While at El Paso, his overall record was 108-14. His team made the playoffs six years in a row and earned a third-place finish at the UIL State Soccer tournament in 1988.

In 1992 he accepted the Keller High School Head Boys Soccer Coach position, earning playoff spots for three consecutive years. His overall record at KHS was 47-18-2. He was named Fossil Ridge High School Head Boys Soccer Coach in 1995 and earned playoff spots 11 of his 13 years coaching the Panthers. His overall record was 250-75-33. Coach Putter went on to become the head coach at Byron Nelson High School where he made the playoffs eight of his 10 seasons, winning the UIL State Championship in 2014. His overall record was 163-74-32.

Coach Putter says he is very humbled and honored to take on the BHS program and continue the winning tradition at Bridgeport High School. He is ready to build great things at BHS and is very excited for this opportunity.

Coach Putter is scheduled to begin his new position on Monday, Oct. 2., and Bridgeport High School student-athletes will have a chance to meet with him on that day. There will also be a Meet & Greet event for all soccer program students and families, boosters and fans of Bridgeport athletics on Monday, Oct. 2, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the BHS commons.