Hawaii football: Todd Graham sets titles for complete staff

Todd Graham, seen here at his introductory press conference, will not have spring practices heading into his first season as Hawaii football coach, he announced on Thursday. / Photo by Bruce Asato, Star-Advertiser

As Todd Graham announced additions to his inaugural Hawaii football staff one by one over the last few weeks, he frequently announced the newcomers as “offensive assistant” or “defensive assistant” without a specific title.

That was with the exception of his three coordinator hires; Victor Santa Cruz (defense), G.J. Kinne (offense), and Dan Phillips (special teams) were announced as such at the time of their hiring.

With Tuesday’s addition Tony Hull as the last of 10 full-time staff hires, Graham was free to announce the remaining roles, all at once.

On the offensive side of the ball:
>> Kinne, the coordinator, will also assume the role of quarterbacks coach.
>> Hull will serve as co-offensive coordinator and coach in the inside receivers.
>> Brandon Graham, Todd Graham’s son, will be pass game coordinator and running backs coach.
>> Sam Bennett will coordinate the run game and coach the offensive line.
>> Brennan Marion is an assistant coach with the wide receivers.


On the defensive side of the ball:
>> Santa Cruz, a former UH linebacker, is associate head coach in addition to defensive coordinator and will coach outside linebackers.
>> Jacob Yoro, a holdover from Nick Rolovich’s staff, will be co-defensive coordinator and coach linebackers.
>> Abe Elimimian, another holdover, will serve as recruiting coordinator and coach cornerbacks.
>> Laiu Moeakiola is assistant coach for safeties.
>> Phillips, the special teams coordinator, will coach the defensive line.

Other positions:
>> Trent Figg is chief of staff.
>> Kody Cooke is an assistant head coach and the strength and conditioning coordinator.

COMMENTS

  1. kalua pig February 19, 2020 7:03 pm

    the season opener at arizona is going to be good.ex arizona st. head coach needs to make a statement.


  2. Michael W TOMOSO February 19, 2020 9:33 pm

    Coach Graham has it figured out …2 years away from coaching football …like the way he has assembled this staff & now has finalized the duties of the staff for his vision to win championship for these student athletes! Go Bows!


  3. dreamcitymike February 19, 2020 9:39 pm

    CARE ….Courage, Attitude, Responsibility & Effort pet coach Victor Santa Cruz HC ..azusa pacific


  4. Whitey February 20, 2020 8:19 am

    This is good. At least we know who is teaching and coaching the various positions a d their responsibilities. Going to battles, the Warriors will be prepared.


  5. UH4eva February 20, 2020 10:07 am

    This coaching staff has turned out pretty good. I’m excited to see them build and take the program to a higher level where We win the MWC. If that happens we might lose Graham but his blue print might remain in place.


  6. H-Man February 20, 2020 4:35 pm

    When will spring practice start? Will practices be open to the public?


  7. HawaiianWarrior#15 February 21, 2020 8:28 am

    Spring Game is April 25th


Comments are closed.