The Munich-Haar Disciples announced that Philipp Howard is stepping down as manager of the German Baseball-Bundesliga team. The former German national team player cited professional changes off the playing field as main reason for the resignation. Additional he has been asked by new German National Team manager Steve Janssen to be part of the coaching staff for the 2019 season. Howard had taken over as manager of the Disciples during the 2017 season and led the team twice into the playoffs. His brother Christopher Howard is the technical director of the club. Both had retired from their active career following the 2016 season.