After his playing career Howell briefly worked as a coach in both leagues, as well as the general manager of the Cleveland Barons in the NHL during the 1977–78 season.

[5] In 1969 Howell was offered a front-office position with the Rangers if he retired, but he was interested in still playing, so was sold to the Oakland Seals.

[6] He played another eight years in professional hockey; two with Oakland/California Seals, three with the Los Angeles Kings, and one each with three World Hockey Association (WHA) teams: New York Golden Blades/Jersey Knights (1973–74 WHA season), San Diego Mariners (1974–75), and ending his playing career with the Calgary Cowboys (1975–76).

After seven games with the New York Golden Blades, on November 21, 1973, Howell was elevated to player-coach when the team was moved and became the Jersey Knights for the remainder of the season.

[8] At the end of that season, the Knights moved and became the San Diego Mariners, with Howell still performing double duty as player-coach.

The Barons were in dire financial circumstances, and merged with the equally challenged Minnesota North Stars at the end of that season.