Replacing a Hall of Fame football coach is a tall order. The task is even tougher with the high school season kicking off in just five weeks.

However, it appears that Lowell has a person who is as equipped as any to handle the responsibility.

Longtime assistant Juston Miller has been named head football coach at Lowell, the school announced Wednesday. He will attempt to fill the shoes of Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach Noel Dean, who announced on June 28 he was stepping down to pursue other business interests.

In 22 seasons with Lowell, Dean compiled a 219-41 record with three state championships, six state finals appearances, eight regional titles, 11 district championships and 10 conference crowns. He is the winningest coach in Lowell history, and he guided the Red Arrows to 19 straight playoff appearances.

Miller has coached on the Lowell football staff for 15 years, including serving as defensive coordinator for the past several seasons. He was a MHSFCA Assistant Coach of the Year in 2016.

"I am excited to accept the challenge of leading our Lowell football program and understand what the Lowell community values within their athletic programs," Miller said in a release. "As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to the support of parents and community in continuing the common goal of building successful young men."

Miller launched his coaching career under Jack VerDuin and Ron Engels at Wyoming Park, where he played for both coaches during his high school career. He earned his bachelor's degree from Aquinas College, and he came to Lowell High School in 2003.

Miller, who earned a master's degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University, is the department head of the Health and Physical Athletic Department at Lowell.

"Coach Miller has been a successful member of the coaching staff at Lowell for many years and understands the tradition, expectations and culture of Red Arrow athletics," Lowell athletic director Dee Crowley said in the release. "He is a teacher in our building, which allows him to connect with the boys on a daily basis in our hallways and classroom.

"We have been blessed with a consistent, experienced and outstanding coaching staff for many years, and being able to provide that consistency and excellent coaching for our players this year was extremely important."

Additionally, Miller has been varsity baseball coach at Lowell for 14 seasons. He plans to continue in that position as well.

"While it was difficult timing to lose our head football coach, it was made easier by turning to our tremendous assistant coaching staff for support," Lowell superintendent Greg Pratt said in the release. "Coach Miller has been with our staff for 15 years and has a great relationship with his student-athletes. I look forward to watching our teams work hard and grow into young adults."