Howard Chappell graduated from Sylacauga High School where he was a star running back. Chappell would go on to play football at the University of Alabama during the early 1930 and would earn three letters in both football and track. He played halfback alongside Dixie Howell and was a teammate of Paul Bryant.

Chappells first job came as a senior assistant to Frank Thomas at Alabama. He worked as a recruiter for the football program.

On a recruiting trip to Sheffield, he put in an application for the vacant coaching position at Deshler High School. By the time Chappell got back to Tuscaloosa, he had the job.

Chappell accepted the head football coach job at Deshler in 1934. He really wanted to start his career as a winner and that is exactly what occurred. His first three teams finished undefeated. Four of his first five teams did not lose a game during the season. After five years his record stood at 42-2-1.

He was a coach and teacher at Deshler High School in Tuscumbia from 1934-1942. Chappell enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served his country during a time of war. After returning to the United States, he landed a job as a car salesman for a year before returning to coaching.

He returned to the head coaching job at Deshler in 1951 for the next eight seasons. His overall record at Deshler is 90-56-5.

He became principal at R.E. Thompson in 1960 and remained there until 1975. Chappell served as Tuscumbia City Commissioner for 10 years. He was one of the organizers of the Tennessee Valley Conference and introduced track to North Alabama schools.

In 1975, the city of Tuscumbia honored him with a 2-day celebration of his career and contributions to the community. Coach "Chap" was inducted into the Alabama High School Athletic Associations Hall of Fame in 1995.