When The  Closer ended he continued to act in its spin-off, Major Crimes, from 2012 to 2018, with Howard becoming an LAPD deputy chief in the third season. Later, he portrayed Dr. Simon Craig, a love interest of Nora Walker (Sally Field) in Brothers & Sisters.
When The Closer came to a close, he moved on to its spin-off series, Major Crimes, from 2012 to 2018, with Howard taking on a leadership role as an LAPD deputy chief. He also played Dr. Simon Craig, a love interest for Nora Walker (Sally Field) in Brothers & Sisters.