Junior college defensive back Isaiah Mays set to join Hawaii football team
Isaiah Mays, a defensive back who played the past two seasons at City College of San Francisco, has accepted a scholarship offer from the UH football team.
Mays told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser he will begin taking classes on Jan. 13, the first day of UH’s spring semester, and participate in the Rainbow Warriors’ offseason conditioning program and spring practice.
#AGTG So thankful for all the opportunities I have received. With this said, I will be accepting a scholarship to THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII @UHfootball 🤙🏿🌴 to continue my academic and football career‼
— Mays đź’¤ (@amays213) January 4, 2020
Mays said he is 6 feet 1, 190 pounds, and capable of running 40 yards in 4.5 seconds. He said he had a vertical jump of 38 inches at a Nike combine when he was Berkeley (Calif.) High student.
Mays was a receiver as Berkeley High and as a CCSF freshman in 2018. After that he moved to defensive back. The past season, he started at cornerback, then shifted to nickelback when the Rams went into a five-DB package. He projects to play corner, nickel and, even, safety for the Warriors.
Mays has three years to play two UH seasons.
He is the second mid-year transfer to join the Warriors’ secondary. Sterlin Ortiz, a safety who played at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, also is enrolled in UH’s spring semester.
Keep them coming!…More the merrier! Competition at all positions make for the best on the field.
Thanks for the update. I was wondering what was happening with our recruiting.
Welcome aboard, Isaiah Mays !!!
GO WARRIORS !!!
The road to the 2020 MWC Championship goes
through Halawa !!!
Watching Eugene Ford in the BYU game made me think he was out of position covering slots as nickel. He struggled in space vs quickness but against BYU he looked good with similar technique to SDSU’s bigger DB’s. He displayed good use of physicality (way better than Farris) and showed the ability to “pin” the receiver to the boundary using his body. He may be vulnerable over the top but a good pass rush (and safety help) should compensate for the (lack of enough) speed problems for Ford. I think with a good off season he can develop into someone as good or better than Farris. They are very similar in their liabilities IMO. Except maybe Farris could cover smaller, quicker guys better, Use him please. Coach him up whole off season. He can do it.
Congratulations to the Warriors on their 2020 recruiting. They look like they are upgrading their level of recruits and this is a good step into the near future. Wouldn’t be surprised if more than 35% of the 2020 recruits start in 2020. They have tremendous upside. It will be something special if the running back can dominate
5. How is beating out Adams St and Western Illinois upgrading our recruits? You realize we lost Roe Farris and our 2 good corners avoided injuries the whole season which is extremely lucky right? At the moment, Mike Washington is our best hope at corner.
I think Michael Washington played pretty good vs BYU as well. He showed good instincts playing the ball. He is kind of stiff and not real “fluid” yet but you can see the potential is there. He has pretty good speed and aggression. just needs more reps and confidence. I think Mays and Washington are similar in capabilities (no better IMO). Lots of depth is building at DB but Batoon still needs a reliable (faster) JC corner. And One more HS (fast) coverer. Lots of safeties now. Hoping Killins starts to make a climb. He’s still just a kid (from Florida no less) so his development will be key. Can do
Jeezy33
Do you think Batoon would have reconfigured his scheme had Davis been injured? More like 2018 maybe? With more Padello as pass rusher (not backpedaling into LB) and LB pressure from the middle (like he did often with Pavihi). Pass rush seemed way better 2018. Kaneshiro/Davis seemed a little better than Hudson-Rasmussen/Ford coverage wise. With Farris out (academic injury) Ford looked pretty good. What are your thoughts on the defense as a whole. Does Batoon have better pieces going forward? (as of right this minute) And exactly what do you think is missing. I think we here on the Warrior Beat board not as savvy but Warrior fans 100%. Always appreciate your input.
8. Would have had to. Probably more zone. Cortez and Roe has outstanding seasons. 1 of them gets hurt and it changes the season. I know Roe missed the BYU game but BYU didn’t have the WRs to really expose our weaknesses. And BYU still moved at Will when they wanted to run it on us.
We are very thin in the secondary so we will have to recruit very well this month or we will have many holes in 2019-2020 season. Don’t let Wins and Losses blind the needs the have to be addressed. 1 area I do think we are better at than will be perceived is pass rush. I think guys who were redshirt FR last year will make a big jump. Also think Derek Thomas is ready for a big season.
Thanks Jezzy. Good to hear about the pass rush. And Thomas did look different after he returned from missing couple games mid season (how does that happen?) I’m sure the coaches working hard looking for their certain guys so we’ll see come late signing period. Maybe more zone is Batoon’s plan. Mana Silva had lots of interceptions in similar scheme. Just hoping for a defensive “Phase ll” improvement. Thanks again for the info. I know you’re edgy because you more invested but its pretty exciting (for us Warrior Beat people) to see the new guys come into the program. Very good.
10. It’s hard to red shirt JC guys but I was honestly hoping Thomas would redshirt in year 1 just to add weight and strength. We could have had him for 2 more years if that were the case. But we needed him bad last year even if he was physically a year behind. Mason Mataafa on the other hand redshirted this past year and if he can get his mind right and buy in to the defense, could have 2 more solid years for us.
Mays is really Green so Abe is going to have to really work on his footwork and technique. He could thrive in the nickel but I see him more of a zone coverage type guy.
Yeah, Thomas’ hudl video was “nuts”. He was just operating at a different motor level than everybody else at JC. His body didn’t translate to D1 (so surprisingly small) right away. Too bad. I didn’t realize he had a redshirt available. He is starting to resemble his hudl now. Mataafa was a beast on hudl video too. He does seem to have “focus” discipline issues a little. But perfect speed to power ratio for Batoon’s scheme (I think way better than Tavai)
Development secondary wise seems to be “slow” (not real visible compared to like say the redshirt pass rushers) so I hope Abe has a better more aggressive development plan than past seasons . We’ll see. Can do for sure. Thanks again.
Upgrading the speed at DB position is very important. We need to add at least 1 more CB who can cover man and 1 more safety with speed. Both Kaneshiro and Ford are good in zone but they are both 4.7 40 guys and get burnt when they have to cover deep. I wouldn’t be surprised if one or both are not moved to Safety. Bethely probably our best cover safety but he’s also a 4.6-4.7 guy. DB should be our number 1 priority in recruiting. I think we set at all other positions and just need to build depth.
Welcome to Hawaii, Mr. Mays! Mahalo for becoming a Warrior! Have a great first semester here at UH, a productive off-season conditioning program and spring ball. Looking forward seeing you on the field!
Whatever happened to Justice Tavai?
If there is improvement on Defense next year, Hawaii should have a double digit win season again and hopefdully beat Boise St at HOME…….
Getting Ortiz and Mays helps for next two years, but would like to see a couple of frosh DBs to develop for 2022-23. I don’t understand why run defense was lacking past season. I think it should be good with the returning interior linemen and new additions. I don’t know whether we have the guys to protect the edges. Another guy like Jahlani Tavai with speed to protect the edges needed. Maybe Penei Pavihi. Justice Tavai? Maybe nursing injury.
Old news but what happened to Hicks? Was he injured, benched, or quit the team?
When I watched the Saints game yesterday the best player on the field (and best QB) was Taysom Hill. He was unreal. When McDonald was a redshirt freshman I thought he might be this type of player (receiver/QB/ return man). But then a couple things happened.
First Dru Brown left so McDonald was the next man up. I never thought he would be ready so soon (with the “funky” throwing motion) but he was.
Second was his work ethic. He works hard. Very determined competitor. improved his throwing motion and release tremendously. So the thought of him at WR/TE kind of faded.
Third was Jeremy Moussa transferring. Moussa was going to be at worst (ability wise) Josh Love (MW offensive MVP). But he didn’t fit this quick read system. So the focus for McDonald’s use would have to be strictly as QB. Too bad I think.
With the trend starting to change for NFL QB’s that don’t have conventional arm motion but do have athletic ability a bigger, more physical (and versatile) McDonald would have really added value to scouts. And added value to Rolovich (had Moussa stayed). He can still do this (add physicality to his game) in the coming season. But he needs to return and trust himself. I hope comes back.
UH Coaching Tree News:
Kim McCloud let go as Syracuse’s DB coach. McCloud has coached with Dino Babers at Baylor (3 years), Eastern Illinois (2 seasons), Bowling Green (2 seasons), and Syracuse (4 seasons). Too bad as Babers also let go his DC. Rumor is that SDSU’s Rocky Long will get the job, as he’s interviewing there today. Navy’s Brian Norwood (Co-DC) has also been mentioned.
Dang….must be some kind of dumpster fire at SDSU if your HC is looking for a downward move and 4 other coaches want out.
I wonder what is happening there? New AD was planning a wholesale firing? School going cheap and not paying coaches? Nobody wants to live there anymore???
I would say Long got to be gone. How can your head coach go shopping for a new job and if does not get the job, come back and run your program??? Kind of awkward.
Will we ever have a mascot. We should make a Hawaiian version of the Michigan State Spartans mascot Sparty. That would be real cool.
The problem with Justus Tavai is his explosiveness. It hasn’t translated to D1 from JC, Watching his hudl clips there were some moments of explosiveness (one nice swim move as NT). His motor is at an even medium speed (not much change of speed ability) He doesn’t use his hands much so maybe that’s something he needs to work on. He does use forearms and shoulders to leverage blockers (even his backside for leverage on one play). Vs Nevada in mop up he did make a nice play from the left side edge. But he didn’t show up enough on video to take notice. Little disappointing but just a RS sophomore so still young.
With his medium motor I think some (a lot if can) power squats and box jump drills will help him with explosiveness in attacking small areas and gaps. He has a nice frame and long arms but he is kind of pudgy (right now) and not as athletic looking as he will be later I think. He has a lot of resources (via Jahlani) so the motivation to train will be available. He will be a solid rotational piece once he tones up and gets some explosion. Can do for sure. Its in his DNA.
21. Michigan St doesn’t have a Hawaiian Studies Dept that a mascot selection has to clear.
Put a face tattoo on the island-wide panned mascot from the Wagner-era. All that disproportionate booing when “The Place-Kicker Who Got Cut” was unveiled made me feel so bad for its creator. I don’t think the mascot lasted long enough to be given a name.
UH Hawaiian Studies Dept is against a Wartior mascot, from my understanding. In the name of Cultural Sensitivity. More than Happy with 10 wins, IMHO.
A mascot would put an extra 2000-5000 people in the stands each home game. It’s not all about what going on on the field but the extracurricular activities that put other people to attend games.
From what I understand, UH Hawaiian Studies Dept and other Native Hawaiian groups are opposed to a UH Warrior Mascot and find it culturally insensitive. That’s why…….
IDK. 2000 to 5000 seems like a lot (unless we use a “Godiva” on horseback). But we do need more Kids and Families in the seats so a mascot would be helpful for extracurricular antics off field. Marketing ideas/implementation may come around this coming season I think. A “groundswell” needs to start building so anticipation can greet the new Stadium. I hope they consider what the fans input (as far as ideas) seriously because there wasn’t much exposure (locally) last season. Can do. Must do.
Fan input like this should be incorporated. Plus WSN approved so it appeals to the “next gen” Stadium fans. Next Generation is the target so its important,
https://www.khon2.com/sports/bow-warrior-uh-football-fans-passion-becomes-teams-championship-season-anthem/
Matlin and Co. Please listen to the fans. They want to come back. Rolovich is doing his part. We (everybody) need to work harder. The answers are right there. Profitability one day. Maybe soon.
I feel like Vili was so perfect for the program at the time. Looking back now you can see it went a little too “over the top” with his antics in the end. But the way he involved other participants (at the drums, even celebrities), the way he excited (incited?) the fans, and just the sheer uniqueness that was on display for our Polynesian Culture was (to me) awesome. Made me proud to be from here.
I am certain, 100%, that America’s view of Polynesian people was admired (and even envied by some) as Jones’ UH teams (with Vili) played on TV. The Haka. The hair. The “Ohana” style that embraced and melded all the cultures in a Polynesian way. Soon a lot of Colleges had Polynesian names on their roster (wasn’t always like that) and definitely gave opportunities to guys like Tagovailoa and such to be seen as QB.s instead of DB’s.
Jones’ vision. We need that similar kind of vison now. Its time. The answers are right there. It helped change the landscape IMO. We can advance it now. Everybody.
Jeezy33, glad you are posting again. You were missed.
IMHO, not sure if a “Warrior mascot” would put okoles inthe seats. It was the team that created all the excitement. JJ coached teams really put on a show during that time.
Now it “Rolo time” and his teams do put on a great show. During JJ’s time and now with Rolo, can’t count the team out till the lady sings.
I’ve also wondered how does having a “Warrior” mascot, demean our host culture? I’ve always admired the culture, the “No Fear” culture. Loved watching the haka being performed. Gave me some “chicken skin” watching the Warriors.
Anyhoo, it’s past history so just grateful our Warriors are back to being really competitive with any school.
Is it time for Warrior Football yet?
I actually liked that one warrior mascot with the fake big muscles costume. I thought it wasn’t too over exaggerated and was kind of like the San Diego’s State Aztec mascot.
Mascots based on people will always get someone’s BVD in a bunch. Base it on an animal.
Also IMO very few are going to say “oh let’s go to the football game to see the mascot”. Maybe bring the two women who were banned by major league baseball for flashing.
Brady Hoke to become the new SDSU head coach. Rocky Long, who finished 10-3 and won the NM Bowl is stepping down in favor of a DC job at Syracuse. Former UH O-line coach Mike Cavanaugh is on Baber’s staff at Syracuse. Things must be messed up at SDSU.
For a mascot UH should use a Hawaiian monk seal costume or close looking like one with a football uniform on it. People will talk about why a seal and it will spread awareness of the endangered mammal and when on national tv they can bring up some foundation for the protection of the monk seal.
things have been very quiet with the 2020 Hula Bowl — wots up wheat dat?
We need another Vili.
why is it that many Power5 teams on the east coast and down south DL have single digit numbers? new ruling?
UH recruiting news for 2020? transfers to UH be it former local players or others interested in playing for UH?
i do hope that UH, offensively, be much more creative is using plays that will attack an opponent’s ‘edges’ using sweeps or reverse/double reserve to run or pass — utilize a strong arm QB to align as a ‘slot’, drop back to receive ball from QB and throw the ball down field
WR running routes 5′-6′ from the side line allowing space to run toward the side line without going out of bounds to catch balls
why do UH WR go far out when the play calls for QB to throw quick pass for a WR screen
UH corners are too slow and reason for giving a 7 – 8 yard cushion nearly each and every play? can they “jam” the WR at the LOS or within the legal limit before ‘unicorns’ call defensive holding?
why is Rolo so “stoic” in being non-creative with new plays — same oh, same oh to be so predicable and non-exciting??? new person to call offensive plays?
McDonald needs to be more prolific in ‘faking’ the hand off to the RB — very “mechanical” now
RB should be required to pull tires up the grassy slope to build strength and stamina besides running up stairs or doing ‘squats’
OL coach should get ‘tips’ from former sumotori on how to build strength and stamina for legs
on passing plays – why cannot OL ‘attack’ the DL rather than fall back 3-4 yards giving big advantage to rushing DL?
remember the defensive astonishment when the 1st forward pass was thrown?
49er LT tackle Bob St Clair was the first ‘tall’ OL in NFL history — all 6′ 9″ of him back in the early 50’s.
Does Kamehameha Schools use a mascot ?
Monk seal. Good idea. Brainstorm time. Everybody.
A monk seal mascot for the Warriors? … A honu? … A pueo? … A nene goose?
#39 … Mr. A House … good questions that could have been answered if there was a Na Koa luncheon. Got some good insight at the couple three that I attended.
Alas, the luncheons are no more. Couple of my friends would have joined Na Koa if those luncheons were still held.
Coaches are too busy attending the luncheons. Looking a the kind of time they spend during the day during football season, It’s understandable they are stretched for time. Many have 12, 14 hour days.
OOps… to attend the luncheons…
Cole declares for draft, i think.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7FNM1mAjHb/
Got Terrapins and Owl mascots but no seals. Anyway all to appeal to kids mostly. All good ideas. Keep thinking.
We got the Pueo, if you like owls.
#37: Mr. A-House. Hula Bowl should extend an invitation to Cole McDonald … and fast!
Uahinui ready for duty. Corderio full first team reps. Can do. Good luck to Cole. Thank you so much. Can do too.
CONGRATULATIONS, COLE – GO FOR IT !!!
THANK YOU for your SIGNIFICANT contribution to
the WARRIOR football program.
ONCE A WARRIOR, ALWAYS A WARRIOR !!!
‘io – the Hawaiian Hawk, for mascot.
I didn’t realize Rocky Long was 70.
Good luck to Cole. It’s his decision. Next men up.
An anthropomorphic rail car in shorts.
And good luck, Cole McDonald. And thank you.
Ct$2KD who needs pet insurance – no, the fans will throw things at it.
vs TheBus, Charlie’s taxi, TheCab (422-2222) and Waikiki Trolley. In a race like those hot dogs at Baseball parks. Kids would love it. Better than that Midas “color ball” race that was there since the 70’s. Good idea. Keep thinking…. BTW I think we need a portal QB if get somebody decent. Just in case Corderio gets hurt. Only got him and Uahinui so not as deep now. Otherwise Turner and/or Victor in RPO wildcat. Abbott’s hudl was unreal.
Grad transfer Sr. QB I think. Maybe one from a similar system. No need JC or a portal Jr or So IMO . One year insurance (depth) policy. By then Abbott and Daniel should be ready.
NONE OF VILI’S SONS CAME TO U.H., BUT THEY WERE ALL DRUMMERS.
Good Luck Cole! Will be watching.
Next man up! QB competition will be interesting this year.
Is it Chevan time?
Didn’t know he had internal injury and was playing. Might explain his hesitancy to run.
Good morning Tsaikos. Another cold, rainy morning, but going to city of lights brightens the day. WHo let the dogs out?? Reminds me of Paradise.
Col. I going cheer for your team too.
we’ll see how McDon adapts to the pro ranks. Wont be freewheeling it much I dont think. You get cut unlike the college days when u just get benched.
Good luck Cole. All you need is one team to believe in you. You got this.
WSU looking for a new head coach, now that Mike Leach is headed to Miss State. Could be nothing, but I hope UH can keep their head coach.
https://athlonsports.com/college-football/washington-state-football-10-coaching-candidates-replace-mike-leach
63.
While he would be a match with his similar offense, I don’t see WSU as a good place to take that next step. While WSU has had some success, they still are under the shadow of UW and playing in a tough division with UW, Oregon, and Stanford. I could be wrong though, maybe Rolo would see that as a good challenge
#63 – the writer did not even cite a confidential source so IMO he is just pulling names out of his butt. The list is rather generic.
Hope Coach Rolo stays, but in spite of Pullman being in the middle of nowhere, but it’s still closer to Seattle, the Bay Area, and Los Angeles than is Hawaii. With the cost of a Southwest ticket, going home for players is doable (with their COA Stipend). Rolovich rebuilt the Hawaii program from the ground up after “Chow Time” and with very little resources, low salaries, poor State/Administrative support, and with aging facilities (nationally known). Imagine what he could do with a program that has all of these things. People who know college football have taken notice. UH/State of Hawaii will need to step up.
Hmmm, Mike Leach leaving Wazzu for Mississippi State. Leach and Rolo are very tight, I wonder if WSU makes a play for Rolo?
#67 … I totally expect them to. Like the saying goes…Money talks….everything else ..go take a walk.
As a up and coming coach, would you just say no, to a financial opportunity?
UH will not bend over to keep Rolo.
I want this team of coaches to stay together but the college coaching culture is to make money. Many see retirement around the corner….unless you good.
Wonder who the back up for Chevan will be. Gonna be a good spring and fall camp.
Great Morning All!
So glad I went to the Hawaii Bowl…
Looking for a job?
MWC Vacant Positions:
Boise State: OC/QB, RB
Colorado State: All assistant positions
Fresno State: DC, Tight Ends, Defensive Line
Nevada: DC, Linebackers, CBs, Safeties
New Mexico: All assistant positions
UNLV: WR, DL & DC
Utah State: OC/QB Coach
Also, SDSU HC Brady Hoke expected to make staff changes.
Comment: New Mex and Colo State hasn’t anyone yet.
Comment: New Mex and Colo State hasn’t hired
any assistants yet.
haven’t
And there it is, as reported by the local paper, Rolo is on their short list — https://www.google.com/amp/www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jan/09/ten-potential-coaching-candidates-to-replace-mike-/%3famp-content=amp
It’s almost mid-Jan.
It will be hard for a new HC to put a coaching staff together,
unless he brings his current staff with him.
The only guys readily available are the unemployed ones,
and do really want to hire these guys? And will they “mesh”?
Heck, even the G5 MWC can’t fill their staffs.
——–
And the new HC will “miss out” on the Feb signing period.
But it’s worth the money to some. GO FOR THE KALA !!!
Leach was making 3.75 mill, will get 5 mill.
The potential for 3.75 mill should attract some hungry coaches.
GO FOR THE KALA !!!
74.
That’s a short list made by the opinion of a journalist, not from the University. He’s just thinking of names that could be a good fit. I wouldn’t put much stock into it. I would think Craig Bohl and Harsin would be higher front runners and more likely to go than Rolovich would be
I think Harsin would be a good bet. He had a shot
at Ark, but missed out.
Would be an easy move from him & staff; still need an OC.
Bohl is run-oriented, might not be a “good” fit.
Rolo is kind of quirky, in a good way, much like Leach. Could be a good match. Takes a special type of student-athlete to compete and be successful in Pullman. Not a lot of distractions there (go to class, study hall, practice, lift, meetings, treatment, training table), like Lincoln, Neb.
Read that Oregon State extended the contract of their head coach and has given substantial raises to their assistants.
Actually about 5 or 6 outlets, some national, have reported that Rolo is on their list….
Think about it this way, Rolo is a system and personnel fit, and they could probably save another 1.5 million and Leach had 3 wins in the PAC 12 on nine tries, Rolo was right behind with 2 wins on 3 tries….
77.
Do you think North Dakota State could win our side of the Mountain West? Or the Sun Belt? Or the MAC? I noticed that NDSU played an all-FCS schedule this year. I want to see Alabama play them.
Heard part of a radio interview with Kanoa and Stutz yesterday and Stutz said Cole has to work on his change of direction (when running, i think). They were going to work on that prior to the next season. I agree since most other highly rated QB’s are good at scrambling and avoiding a rush, etc. Chevan has been good at that and also changing direction when he runs.
Draftek.com, for what it’s worth, has Cole McDonald ranked #15 on its quarterback prospect list.
One better than Colorado’s Stephen Montez, and one less than Iowa’s Nate Stanley.
This past season almost every team ran some form of wildcat against UH. Central Arkansas’ wildcat actually threw it (was TD).. Oregon St’s wildcat gashed long gains. Boise too. SDSU used a LB and powered to first downs. Arizona’s QB wasn’t particularly the wildcat QB but that guy ran like it was (was unreal). And I don’t want to even mention the backup Air Force QB who was the WB. Wildcatted the option unreal too. Point is the wildcat is alive and well in FBS.
With the departure of McDonald leaving question about the depth after Corderio, I think Rolovich can take solace in the fact that he has not one but two options that he could use should he chose to incorporate Wildcat into the offense as a designed aspect (as opposed to just a gimmick) with Turner and Victor. Both are physical (way more than Corderio) . Both are elusive (way more than McDonald) and both can pass if needed (maybe not as good as Iosefa did?). But plan B is there if necessary.
I remember when Norm Chow didn’t have a punter on the roster and it just felt so dumb not to have secured one by first game. But the plan B punter ended up pretty good. Sometimes the backup plan works out. I think Rolovich will be better prepared than we think. Awesome.
Back to the Marketing Ideas here. Kind of got sidetracked by the McDonald declaration. I think the decisions made (or not made) by Matlin as far as getting more fans in the Stadium this upcoming season will have a large influence on so many things.
Coach Rolovich has done so much to change the “Culture” here. Getting the right cultural “fits” in his recruits (similar to Boise). Starting to reflect on field and in win-loss record. But not in attendance. That’s Marketing’s fault IMO. Maybe got lots of different reasons for the drop attendance wise, IDK, but there needs to be some urgency soon. Rolovich (and possibly others on this staff) are candidates for higher profile jobs that pay better. And probably have a larger fan base. Though the fan base here is loyal it is small and shrinking.
Matlin has to do more. Listen to the fans. Entire experience. The entertainment value might not be only the football game. The food. The extracurricular stuff. The Mascots. The Band. The Kids “chanting cheers”. The tailgating aspect. Used to be fun for them to come to games. Students too. Whole “Next Generation” They need to come back. So, so solvable. Can do.
Col. You watching Forrest Buckner doing a super job on defense. Next year he will be an All Pro . Hui O Maui is cancelled today. Will double up next month. Heavy rain due to Eric Molina. the niners d tackle is a clinic worth watching
Winning and having an exciting offense/defense will bring the fans to the stands. Also excitement on this blog really helps the Warriors and our fans. Today is also going to be a specill day cause going get 100 posts.
Right Steve M and Col H?
The thinking for increasing the fan base has to go outside the box. It has to looked at not as football, but as entertainment. The new fan base has to looked at much as what filled the stadium when Tomey was at the helm. It was entertainment as that new fan base was made up of the curious, fringe, attendee. If you recall, there were times when basic football was explained as a part of the coaches show. Lots of folks back then we’re not football savvy, but were curious about what was happening at the stadium. Initially, there were a lot of walk up sales; people showed up with family and friends, tailgated ( many for the first time) and then bought tickets To the game. To build a new base, UH and stadium authority has to understand what the population base in Hawaii views as worthy of their entertainment dollars. It’s a different time and a different population but the event is still “entertainment” for those none football folks you need to fill seats. There has to be more than what’s currently there as it is not attractive enough to get new folks curious enough to spend their entertainment dollars.
For the 49er fans in Hawaii, this was a most impressive game. This is what brings the fans back, excellence in defense and offense. Titans showed any good team is capable of beating a superior team. Tomorrow games will give more motivation to the Warriors.
Was a beautiful day in the city of lights and no sleep. Am glad of rain at home cause no one there to water the yard and plants.
Col where you at?
Need help to make 100. Getting real close. Go Seahawks.
Go Packers. Thats a lot of snow to shovel
Go Seahawks
Hee hoo, almost going reach the top.
Any recruit news for the Warriors?
Winnah, winnah chicken dinnah. Thanks niners.
Magic number, 100.
Mike Leach was making $3.75 million. Why would Rolo turn down the job if offered. 247Sports reported Rolo was seen in Pullman.
Good morning Tsaikos and now the speculation begins. Will he or won’t he? I guess it will depend on if the grass is greener or frozen on the other side. It will be a nail biter.
I would be sad but do understand there is more greens on the other side of the fence. UH is not a “player” when it comes to quality coaches…but we do give a bunch of them the opportunity to shine and show their talents.
Proof the many who used to coach here are at Power 5 schools and conferences.
We just need to “Next Man Up”.
UH will be forever a stepping stone job. I think most of the MWC jobs are stepping stone jobs so UH fans should not feel “bummed” if Rolo was to take the job. He have a chance to improve the financial situation with his family and we should not hold it against him
If he gets the job, I will wish him luck and then turn my attention to the next guy who will guide this program to bigger and better things.
Rocky Long leaving a HC job at SDSU for a step down at an P5 school is even a bigger shock. Rolo would be moving up. Long is essentially moving to a bigger school but is moving down professionally.
Wat Da Hecko is going on!…KC….3 TD’s in 3:24 seconds?
Down 24…0… now 24 – 21 … in the 1st half with 6:31 to go b4 half time!
Coach Rolo has rebuilt UH Football from the ground up after “Chow TIme” (thanks to M.C. Greenwood and the Punahou Lobby). People in the know (coaches and ADs) understand what he’s been up against in terms of a lack of support from UH/State, poor resources, meager fund raising, low coaches salaries, flying commercial on road games, aging facilities, and lack of fan interest. Rolo has done almost everything short of washing player’s jerseys to promote and help UH football. People putting him down for his overall record are the same ones who can easily analyze the team’s problems and come up with plays that should be run, schemes, strategy, and players who should play just by watching a UH game for 3 hours.
BTW, does UH have a Marketing Department? Seems like Rolo has had to take the main role promoting the team (promotions, working behind the counter at Raising Canes, selling newspapers in the morning), while other UH workers go home at 5:00 pm.
Oh well, some things will never change in Hawaii.
Kahuna….U right! UH does get good coaches…contrary to opposite opinions from time to time.
Think we might have not done well with 2 head coaches but for the most part, hasd and got some coaches who gave things a stir every so often.
adding to the speculation … from CougFan…..
https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Article/WSU-coaching-search-Growing-buzz-for-Hawaiis-Nick-Rolovich-142019219/
speculation of another sort …
https://beargoggleson.com/2020/01/12/chicago-bears-2020-nfl-draft-profile-cole-mcdonald-late-round-gem/
Dang between the sports and social media about Coach Rolovich is scrunching my BVDs. Hahahahaha
I feel like Coach Rolovich’s resume is not complete yet. Like something is missing. Like he needs to cross off a couple more boxes as far as on field stuff. You can see it. If a power 5 school takes a chance on Rolovich it will be based on his potential (buying low?) and his off field persona and management ability (all equally important qualities to the on field stuff). Once he crosses off those boxes and “completes” his resume he may be even more widely coveted by the “lower tier” power 5’s (like WSU but also teams like Oregon St, Texas Tech, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Colorado and maybe even Miami and such). But the resume has to be completed first. Soon I think. You can see it. But does WSU buy now? Before they have competition? Maybe. Awesome for Rolo. Deserves it.
Same thing for McDonald. Resume not complete yet. Needed to cross off more boxes. You can see it too. Strengths and weaknesses lists aren’t that easy to compile for him. He is really the one person who has weaknesses in his strengths and strengths in his weaknesses (if that make sense?). You hardly ever see this kind of complex potential. His mechanics? His instincts? Is it his limitations with quickness. Plus there is possibility with his athletic frame that he may be able to be used at multiple positions, adding to the complexity which is drafting McDonald. Weird. Could have been settled and completed with one more season here. But just like with Rolovich NFL teams might want to “buy low” before there is more competition.
The only thing Coach Rolo needs is a solid D coordinator. He’s proven to be able to get the points on the board but facing good offenses, so far the D is not quite up to par.
I’m hoping he stays and really show what his teams can be like with a better defense. He’s getting there with our coordinator…just a couple of holes to fill.
Take this with a grain of salt, as I played quarterback, but never in the NFL. My expertise is devised solely from watching a LOT of film and being a bit of scouting nut for the past decade.
Cole McDonald / Scouting Profile
Strengths:
– NFL size frame.
– Arm talent: NFL arm, no doubt about it.
– Deep ball accuracy is incredible.
– Natural feel for timing as a passer
– Has the athleticism to elude all but the most elite-speed pass rushers.
– Plays with attacking, downfield mindset.
– Flashes the ability to climb the pocket and progress deep into reads.
– Enthusiastic and shows great energy on the field.
– Handled his benching during the season very well, showing maturity and leadership. Huge plus.
Weaknesses
– Inconsistency displayed with far more interceptions than you want to see.
– Benefited from scheme that allowed an abundance of one-on-ones
– Will miss some pre-snap reads and allow more advanced coverage’s to surprise him at times.
– Wind-up release with below-average operation time (this is significant)
– Not consistent with his release point
– Mechanics and consistency decline when under duress (another BIG weakness)
Day 3 prospect with potential. Will be a project for sure. Shows a ton of heart and willingness to learn. I could see him going as high as the 5th round and surprising during training camp with the right scheme. Recent prospect comparison: Will Grier.
from MWC news …
JUCO LB Danthony Jones was offered by Hawaii
I hate to dig this up again, but I was really disappointed with UH that they kind of threw Rolo under the bus when the photographer accused him of assault. UH said that his behavior was inexcusable and was subject to discipline. What a pile of crap.
That’s just another reason for him to leave. I would hate to see him go. I love Rolo, and he is the perfect guy for Hawaii, and I think we’ve got a lot of positive momentum going. But if that’s how UH treats its people, then they can’t expect to keep their people. If you can’t pay your people the market rate, you have to make it a good place to work. That sure isn’t any way to treat a guy who has been such an ambassador not just for UH, but for the state.
Do what you gotta do Rolo. I know your heart will always be with UH, but sometimes, you have to think about yourself.
Ain’t it a little odd that SA is not doing a follow-up on the rumors, some from a national level, that Rolo is being courted by Wazzu, including even being see in Pullman —seems very strange.
He brings back the program to national recognition, and no stories or follow-ups?
This whole thing has me worried too Boola
Rolo not goin’ no wea!
@justsomeguy
Awesome scouting profile.
Mahalo sackkabooya!
-Handled the adversity of being benched. Never sulked. This would seem to indicate good character.
Most times, no news is good news, but no one from UH ATLETICS or coaching staff has said anything makes one start to worry.
My thought is if Wassu is seriously interested, well, they could give him a long term deal, and raise his salary over 300 percent (to about 2 million) and still save 1.5 million.
What can UH do— well, raise his salary to at least north of a million, and place another 250k on the table for assistants.
Gotta love locals saying “An honorable person would keep their current job over a new one that will pay you 4 times your current salary.”
UH has no fans, money or financial support or boosters (they still call up manini grads at dinner time). Things will never change here. If Rolo takes the WSU job, he can concentrate on coaching and recruiting, instead of marketing and promotion of the program.
114. My opinion-He is not that elusive or too good at scrambling when in trouble. Also not that shifty when running but showed straightaway speed on the 76 yd TD run.
https://mobile.twitter.com/BruceFeldmanCFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Good luck rolo.
Aloha Rolo?
Multiple reports now say it. We all were thinking it. Sincerely good luck coach. Where does the program go from here?
An average of $3 million per year for Rolovich at WSU in a 5-year deal.
Rolo – Congrats. GO FOR IT.
There will be a ton of resumes pouring through. I trust Matlin, he’s been pretty good at hiring coaches.
if you win ten games with our athletic budget, facilities, fan support, etc…people notice. good luck, coach rolovich.
ken niumatalolo.
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Whoever he chooses, gotta stick with the run n shoot. It’s the only way Hawai’i is able to compete with the athletes we are able to get
Best of luck Rolo, we’re really guna miss ya man….
Ken is an amazing human being…. but I’m sorry he should absolutely NOT be the next head coach of Hawaii Warrior Football.
ST reporting Rolo is about to depart…. for Wazzu … citing a number of sources.
Good luck Coach…thanks for the memories … Next Man Up!
Smitty? or search the universe? Wonder how long UH will take to post the job and start the search.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/01/13/sports/sports-breaking/hawaii-head-coach-nick-rolovich-to-leave-for-washington-state/
evening story…
How many on the current staff will make the journey with him?
Big pay day coming.
136.
i know. attendance was low with a moderately entertaining and successful team. i’m just a big navy fan. whenever i bring up the flex-bone, i get looks like: go eat at the kid’s table and let the grown-ups talk.
Dave Matlin: Offer the job to June Jones, even on an interim basis.
JJ can keep the program rolling from here, until things settle down.
AND, JJ will “work for practically nothing”, according to close pal Artie Wilson.
There’s no time to waste, obviously.
This puts Cole’s decision into better context.
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I think Cole was going regardless. He was losing 3 of his top receivers, and while he took it well, I don’t think getting swapped out that often was something he wanted to go through again for another season
A coordinator for Washington state might make a little more than $600k a year but an assistant wouldn’t make more than a Hawaii head coaching position.
Miano Miano Miano
As the rumors Rolo to WSU start to get some traction and perhaps becomes reality, the focus should really be on Management going forward. Rolovich has put into place an infrastructure that is as solid as can be. The “Culture”. The Offensive system. A cohesive, like minded staff. The recruiting design. All of it. It hasn’t really taken shape or had been totally noticeable until recently as Phase I transitioned to Phase II, but you can see it. The “big picture”. Something more than on field achievements. A process, perfectly designed for continuity.
It is still in its early stages and it took a while to build, but it needs to be managed in a way similar to how a Restaurant Chain franchises its “Brand”. Coach Rolovich has produced the “Manual”. A structure that needs to be maintained (by management). Following these basic guidelines, each subsequent regime (“franchise”) can resemble the next. It can be adjusted/adapted depending on the Head Coach (GM), but the general structure (RnS, “Ohana” brand, multi-cultural) has to be followed. Similar to how Boise structures their program. No more stark philosophy transitions (like McMackin to Chow to Rolovich)
Can Do? Lots of hard work and heartache went into building the “structure”. But its there. And its strong. And visible. You can see it. It can overcome this disappointment. Thank you Coach Rolovich. Awesome now.
Fun Facts …
https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jan/13/33-for-33-get-to-know-new-washington-state-footbal/
Gott a business friend of Wazzu AD Pat Chun, so a couple of items I discovered:
One, Leachs departure was amiable and he directly told them to hire Rolo,
Two, Rolo was on their immediate short short list from the get go,
Three, other teams (don’t know who) were interested in Rolo,
Four, Wazzu didn’t want to mess around with counter offers from UH (and Im not sure there were any of any substance) and so gave him a deal a little south of Leachs current deal or about a 600% raise.
My closing thoughts, Rolo leaves with much aloha to the state but certainly not UH administration. Bottom line, say you working for that state as a civil engineer for the state say for 110k, and someone offers you over 600k, of course you leave—period. Your family for this generation and next is set. Moreover, you get to develop your craft on the next level with more resources, easy decision.
Rolo did what he was paid to do, rescued the program from the brink and three bowls in four years is huge. The state and UH upper campus failed him, if they can’t raise up their game we are in systemic dilemma of repeating this over and over, and probably not with such great results to show for…. upper campus you listening ?!?
Boola….spot on with your commentary.
“The state and UH upper campus failed him, if they can’t raise up their game we are in systemic dilemma of repeating this over and over, and probably not with such great results to show for…. upper campus you listening ?!?”
This has been the operating mindset of upper campus….They expect good quality sports programs for “cheap labor”.
As fans of UH sports programs..mainly football, we need to know that UH will never be “competitive” in securing and giving stability to the football program.
Steve Uyehara showed a great graph charting the program under JJ, Chow, McMakin and Rolo. Interesting stats.
We can expect this merry go round with UH football to keep running…going forward or should I say going around in circles.
We’ll get a coach who either drags the program down or take it to competitive status then lose the coach or fire the coach and start from ground level again.
UH upper campus loves doing this. Any wonder why attendance is way down?
HERE TODAY, GONE TOMORROW (TO PULLMAN).
Promote from within…..imho…..keep as much continuity as possible. Keep our athletes in mind please.
North Shore, I’m assuming he takes at least half the staff with him as it means each doubles or triples their salary-and this does not even factor in cost of living reductions- which are huge.
Let’s see if they make a play for one of his coordinators??
UH (Upper Campus) absolutely threw Rolo under the bus with the photographer incident, placing all the blame on him, when the video evidence showed otherwise. In the end, it wouldn’t have made a difference, but probably made his departure easier to stomach.
Counselor, NotNasti, you hit that on the head. It seems like they wanted to have some rationale, no matter how flimsy, as they didn’t want to ante up, and knew folks were going to make a play for Rolo in the off-season, whether that was Wassu or some other team.
My own assumptions is that the AD and upper campus have very tight business models and approaches to the Football HC position, fancy way of saying they will dogmatically not pay above certain dollar figures….sad.
UH AD dept better not drop the ball and take too long to hire new coach. Get rid of the old ways and just hire right away. The hell with the antiquated procedures for hiring. Just Hope Stutz stays cause he is the most in touch guy in the O side of coaching plus you need somebody to reassure the incoming players that not much is changing. In fact, hope Rolo takes his O coordinator with him. If JJ is available all the big donors hopefully would come back in. Better hurry UH!!!
I wonder if Craig Stutzman has enough personal ties here and on the continent to becoame a HC? UH definitely needs an “O” guy for sure. Cross fingers time that he doesnt go to WASH! If he does then you gotta go get JJ right away.
Boola..unfortunately, you’re right. I can see Smitty, Stuz going along to keep the offensive package together…maybe others too. Good to have a team (coaches) that are on the same page.
#156…winning…it may be but the $ difference is just too much to stay here because of personal ties. Can always facetime, phone call, text etc….
Coaches with UH ties (skin) work well for us….so far.
mebbe coach Rolo hires Matt Mumme of Nevada as OC.
Takes Smitty as some kind of staff assistant.
Anyways, Thurs is formal announcement for Wazzu’s hiring.
anyone looking for a football Head Coach job?
Description
Title: UH Head Football Coach
Position Number: 0080110
Hiring Unit: UHM Athletics
Location: Football Program
Date Posted: January 13, 2020
Closing Date: Continuous Recruitment
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Other Conditions: Continuous recruitment until programmatic needs are met. For best consideration, review of applications will begin on Tuesday, January 21, 2020.
When I look at the coaching staff Norm Chow let go, that staff was stacked.
How can the UH administration step up ? They are limited in the funds available for athletics. Can’t compete with the Pac-12 funding..
155.
At the time, I was all for Bob Nash’s hiring. But they took too long in naming him. In the interim, all the good players were taken. Bill Amis was Nash’s only recruit that could play. The athletic department put Nash in a position to fail.
Its not just the UH Administration that needs to step up. The state needs to step up as well. If the current financial model hasnt worked then change it. Collectively UH and State need to kaka or get off the pot. All we have heard is lame excuses from both sides.
As an adult maybe but as a kid I couldn’t imagine leaving Hawaii for Pullman.
We got a lot of “coaches” who feel they have the right play and scheme/plan to make UH a much better team.
Time to step up and submit the resume people.
155.
Bob Nash did not have a successful tenure here. But the athletic department put him in a position to lose by announcing his hiring so late in the recruiting season. The only player who could play was Bill Amis. If they hired him earlier, maybe he’d have the sort of coaching career I was hoping for. At the time, I thought UH did the right thing, but they took forever.
Aloha, Rolo.
If not a Warrior, better a Coug than a dawg.
Nice statement from Mike Leach to WSU when he left for Mississippi St:
https://twitter.com/Coach_Leach/status/1215512769321230336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1215512769321230336&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spokesman.com%2Fstories%2F2020%2Fjan%2F09%2Fupdates-and-reactions-washington-states-mike-leach%2F
There seems to be more supporters on the mainland than Hawaii which is kind of ironic.
I think if Miano is willing to structure his salary in a way that he, Stutzmann, and Batoon can all be paid the same amount then I could see Miano as Head Coach. Miano is a totally unproven commodity. But so is Stutzmann and Batoon as far as being the Head guy. Stutzmann and Batoon have proven themselves as excellent up and coming young coordinators. But they have more to prove to both themselves and Upper Campus.
Maybe some might say Miano had so so success as defensive coach. That’s fair. But under his supervision the UH walk on program was one of the most productive in NCAA. Under his supervision he also helped produce some of the most productive defensive backfields during his tenure. Since then he has maintained his NFL ties, setting up “pro day” workouts for UH players. He is well connected locally and seems to do a lot of work in the Polynesian and Mainland vs Hawaii HS Prep matchups. He also seems to be a highly driven, hard working person who is good at managing multiple organizations. Perfect for the task (fund raising/attracting boosters?). Managing and mentoring.
Batoon should stay. His defense is one year away from being unreal. Just need one or two more “playmakers”. Its right here now, not in Pullman 2 years from now (if he’s lucky). And as for Stutzmann he can be mentored to take over when he is ready (Batoon will be bolstering his resume to be SEC/ACC DC). The three of them as one entity. Doing the things they do best. Together. Hopefully something like this can happen.
Unfortunate to see the same old nostalgia here in this thread…..
JJ is a legend, truly and he gave Hawaii so much. We should all be grateful….but he’s too disconnected and in today’s world of ultra-fast paced recruiting he will get left in the dust. Recruiting was never his strong suit, which is why we relied so heavily on Miano’s walk-on program.
Rich Miano is a wonderful man, and his love for Hawaii, its people, and its football in unquestionable….but again, he is too disconnected from coaching to be an effective replacement. He has announcing as well as new business venture’s he needs to focus on.
Stutz will get his shot somewhere….and I wouldn’t object if it was here. He provides continuity and has a sharp offensive mind. I don’t hesitate to say that in the world of Air-Raid / RnS offenses Stutz may be the best young coordinator in the game today…that being said, I’m highly suspicious of his coaching experience being enough to take on a HC role. I’m not sure his network is deep enough and if he has enough behind-the-scenes experience running the day-in-day-out brain-suck that is being the CEO of a collegiate football team….he deserves at least an interview.
So with all my whining about the same old same old names being thrown out there, here is my contribution to the list, in no particular order:
Robert Anae / WR+OC / UVA
Former Kahuku grad running a stellar version of the Air Raid out in Virginia. This could be a serious prospect. I would be excited to see him here in the green and black.
Keith Bhonapha / RB Coach / UW
Probably a little green to be a HC, but has learned a great deal from Chris Peterson and will do it the right way. Will get his shot someday.
Mike Jinks / RB Coach / USC
Top notch recruiter and rising star coach. Learned Kliff Kingsbury’s version of the Air-Raid and has HC experience at Bowling Green.
Adrian Klemm / OL coach / Pittsburgh Steelers
AMAZING recruiter and a deep network. Also, former Warrior. Salary requirements may bar this from happening.
Chad Kauha’aha’a / DL Coach / USC
A little green for a head coaching position, and I agree we need an Offensive minded coach, but his star is rising. We could use him one day.
Rhett Lashlee / OC+QB / SMU
Great offensive mind and can recruit texas. No Hawaii connections, but worth an interview.
Chip Long / Former OC / Notre Dame
Needs a job going into 2020 and is a proven offensive mind. His lack of connection to Hawaii notwithstanding, an high profile option for a mid-tier G5 school like Hawaii.
Tosh Lupoi / DL Coach / Atlanta Falcons
Another world-class recruiter. Rising star in the coaching world.
Brian Smith / OC / Hawaii
If Brian and Stutz aren’t swiped by Rolo, which is completely understandable….the HC / OC pairing of Smitty and Stutz would be option number 1.
Tony Tuioti / DL Coach / Nebraska
Connection to Hawaii, deep connections, and will be able to recruit the islands better than almost anyone.
Jeff Ulbrich / LB Coach / Atlanta Falcons
Salary limitation is obvious here….but an interesting interview nonetheless…
I know people will be thinking about Dave Aranda, but his is long gone from the stratosphere of coaches Hawaii could get….same with Chris Peterson, Urban Meyer, Todd Graham, Major Applewhite, Mike Norvell, etc. The Hawaii football God that is Cal Lee may be getting a little too old (early 70s I think) for the rigors of D1 Collegiate coaching…..but maybe not.
If you are going to look at local ties, two career coaches come to mind: Duane Akina and Brian Norwood.
Upside: deep Hawai’i ties, bring three to four decades of proven experience from top tier programs, a huge recruiting Rolodex (especially Duane, who at one time was thought of as the premier defensive back recruiter as well as position coach in the nation), both are defensive minded and have a prove track record, can probably fit into the required salary scale, and both have served associate head coaches.
Downside: never been a HC, both are long in the tooth, Brian is 56 and Duane is 62, lack of alumni and upper campus expertise, (tho Duane comes from the old school Punahou mafia that has political clout) and both have not worked on the offensive side of the ball.
Still worth a look…..
If Rolo is unable to secure Smith and Stutzmann, I wonder if he goes for Zack Hill @ BSU considering Zack Hill was going to be the OC before quickly bolting to BSU. A WSU assistants pay would surely be more than BSU
Is there any info out there as to whether Rolo will take some of his coaches with him?
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I think that’s a given. I think they’re also waiting to see what happens with who gets the head coaching job. I also don’t think it’s fair to assume that all of the assistant coaches want to go. Pullman isn’t exactly the most attractive place to live. The coaches also have to consider their families. Say if Stutzmann or Smith get the job, who’s to say that some of the coaches won’t want to stay and help them continue the success? Conversely, they may all want to go and follow Rolovich. Who knows
As much as i loke to read about Warrior’s recruits, it is time, after 2 weeks, to change thr topic from recruits to head coach., but that is STs decision.
Staying in Hawai’i to continue the success is a noble idea, but money talks, even more so for assistant coaches. More than double the salary at half the cost of living? Hard to be noble at that point. Wazzu ranks near the bottom in the Pac-12 for coaches salary.
The following are numbers from 2018:
DC: Tracy Claeys $625,000 in guaranteed pay. (Claeys could earn up to an additional $138,125 in bonuses).
D-line coach Jeff Phelps $401,500 in guaranteed pay,
LB coach Ken Wilson ($296,500);
safeties coach Kendrick Shaver ($291,500)
O-line coach Mason Miller ($291,500).
. . .
CB coach Darcel McBath $236,500 (lowest paid)
Possible bonuses for WSU’s 10 on-field assistant coaches range from $39,562 (McBath); to $60,187 (Phelps); with most of the assistant coach bonuses in the mid 40’s.
Like. F….king spell check.
173
jus kidding Zak Hill already left for ASU
UH team meeting today, per today’s paper. …Also WSU press conference Jan 16 at 12:30 HT.
Another ex player with local ties is also on the market—see: https://www.syracuse.com/orangefootball/2020/01/syracuse-football-assistant-coach-kim-mccloud-wont-return-in-2020-report.html
177. Here are the WSU salaries for 2019. They had co-defensive coordinators after DC Claeys resigned in October after a 67-63 loss to UCLA.
https://247sports.com/college/washington-state/Article/Washington-State-Cougars-assistant-coah-pay-how-it-ranks-in-Pac-12-and-nationally-140276480/
Also I don’t know why everyone is getting all nuts about Rolo not making a statement yet. I don’t think it is wise for him to make that statement until his official announcement as the new WSU is made. I don’t think Leach made his statement about WSU until after his Miss St press conference.
@justsomeguy
Extensive and “outside the box” list. Nice. IDK if Smith and/or Stutz is ready for the extracurricular stuff that kind of wore Rolo down after a while. Stuff that Miano will be good at. If there was a little more time then maybe some things could be done to really consider the guys on this list. A lot to think about. With the program on the rise the decision is even harder than if Rolo had failed and been fired. Tough decision.
183. Leach made a tweet thanking WSU etc. around the same day he was hired at Miss. St …See post 168 above.
Thanks sackkabooya….though, how I forgot Duane Akina and Brian Norwood I honestly do not know. I’ve heard Mike Cavanaugh is in the running as well.
I have very fond memories of Coach Akina, back when I was a HS player we had some contact. Would be great to see him get his shot, though I’m not sure what kind of offense he’d want to install.
Andrew #183, maybe because this was posted, yesterday…..
“I’d like to thank President Schulz and Pat for the opportunity and the trust they have put in me to lead these young men,” said Rolovich. “Not only on the football field, but we truly believe we are raising tomorrow’s husbands, fathers and community leaders. The excitement is real and it’s honest. Most recently what Coach Leach has built gives us a high starting point. I appreciate him as a friend and what he has done to build the program. “We are looking forward to learning more about the program, the history, the anecdotes and the legends of WSU football. One of the more attractive things was the community, how it matches a lot of the values we try to live by and I’m excited to raise my family in Pullman. We can’t wait to get up there and get started
https://247sports.com/college/washingto … 142200084/
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Fair point, I just think all this time and energy going to being butt hurt and angry at Rolo can be better spent on the positive of where this program can go and the new coach. He left already, just thank him for what he did and that’s it. He’s a Washington State coach now, let’s worry about Hawaii.
Coach Craig Stutzman for HC would be super. He has put in the years at different schools and is very knowledgeable about UH and the Hawaiian culture. Hope he puts his name into the HC pot. I don’t know him or his family personally, but watching him on the sidelines shows he is into every game and pays attention to what his job is game and practice.
Reardon’s column … lots of same guys posting ..
https://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/football/hawaii-football-will-a-uh-offensive-coordinator-brian-smith-or-craig-stutzmann-succeed-nick-rolovich-as-head-coach/
The warriors have a very returning and recruiting class and it pays to have someone who knows the players as a coach and surrogate parent.
from MWC news …
K Michael Boyle entered the transfer portal.
RB Fred Holly entered the transfer portal.
WR John Johnson entered the transfer portal.
QB Cole McDonald declares for the NFL
189. Besides deciding on the type of offense to run, the HC has to be able to organize and direct all aspects of the football program and the is it 100 football players ?, 10 assistant coaches, numerous other staff member.
Be the face of the program with the fans, community,media, be able to recruit here and on the mainland, be able to do fundraising, be in compliance with UH and NCAA rules, ensure the players progress academically, deal with the budget, be responsible for the conduct of team members on and off the field, etc.
I’m sure Rolo would take Smith and Stutz, his old team mates who know him and the offense. Only scenario I see that they do not go is that Smith can get a head coach job and Stutz the OC to add to their resumes. It is probably not about $$$ since they would surely get more in Wazzu.
Are there any FCS head coaches who would like to make that leap to D1 proper? Is the blog open to an outsider? Or is the consensus that the next head coach have some sort of local tie. If the latter is the main criteria, I’m, after my first and second choices that everybody hates, all in for Rich Miano as the next head coach. Miano really loves it here. He didn’t even look for work elsewhere.
Administration is not down with Rich, it would be a hard sale.
Phase tree, leave Hawaii
Rolo says thanks:
https://twitter.com/NickRolovich/status/1217670240848367616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1217670575008518144&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2F247sports.com%2Fcollege%2Fhawaii%2Fboard%2F102452%2Fcontents%2Frolo-say-thanks-142278020%2F
One Hawaii State Legislator expressed disgust that Rolo was earning $600,000 and felt that $90,000 would be enough. Example of how out of touch Hawaii population is regarding the college football landscape.
I would not be surprised or upset if Stutz and the other UH assistants coaches are now packing for Pullman.
Rich Miano, with all due respect, has been out of the game for some 6-7 years. Out of college ball for an additional 2 years. He’s happy doing his clinics, all-star games, and work on Spectrum. June Jones had just walked away from his SMU team after two game just a year prior to the UH job becoming vacant with Chow’s firing in 2015. Playing golf is his main interest now, not visiting the homes of potential recruits. Not good. Tony Sanchez comes to mind regarding Cal Lee. People have selective memory.
Jones was coaching in the CFL and now will be a GM and HC in the XFL
Rolovich owes UH $425,004 for a buyout on his contract dated June 14, 2019 since he did not give UH at least 30 days written notice of termination of the agreement ( his original contract only had a $150,000 buyout) .
Islandman –
The suddenness is certainly a shame – but I’m sure Washington St. was made aware of this and will be paying the fee on behalf of Rolo. They need him staffed up and on the recruiting trail immediately.
Wassu handles the buyout…..no worries for a Rolo, he get plenty kala in any event.
I didn’t watch the press conference but apparently Smith was present in Wazzu colors but Stutzmann was not seen on camera. I guess that confirms he probably at least is applying for the UH job
Stutz is in Pullman. I’m pretty sure he’s sticking with Rolo.
If a head coach or OC leave for another program, does his play book go too? Can the “old” team use the playbook?
UH administration…the clock is ticking … recruiting deadline around the corner…will you handicap the new HC with a late appointment announcement? … then expect good results?
Do the deed or get off the pot … please.
NorthShoreFan –
From what I understand, official policy dictates that the posting for coaching positions must be open for 5 business days before they can announce a chosen candidate. It was posted on Monday, so there might be something posted tmrw….but most likely we’ll get the full situation on this coming Monday.
All the coaching positions were posted as “open” so the waiting period will have ended for them as well and whomever the new coach is will be able to hire their preferred people asap.
Didn’t realize Matlin stutters.
oddah kine rumors …
Baylor: *** Dave Aranda *** will be the new head coach at Baylor.
Bruce Feldman was first with the news.
Former University of Hawaii defensive coordinator *** Dave Aranda *** has been named the new head coach at Baylor.
Aranda, who was on the UH coaching staff from 2008 to 2011, was most recently on the defensive coordinator at LSU, who won the national championship on Monday. He was the highest-paid coordinator in college football, making $2.5 million annually. It is unknown at this time how much his new contract at Baylor will pay him.
If you haven’t seen this yet …
https://www.khon2.com/sports/matlin-meets-with-uh-football-team-confident-in-expeditious-coaching-search/
Best wishes to Rolo.
Aren’t the assistant coaches on 1 yr contracts anyway? Or did that change?
#208…justsomeguy … Mahalos fo dat…
“The Cougar climate. The passion that I have seen since I set foot in this city, on this campus. The fan base, the students, why they make it such a hard place to play football for opponents. The (Cougar) flags waving all over town. That iconic (WSU) logo, you can’t go anywhere without seeing it.”
Yup, once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away, this was the “climate” for UH football.
Good Luck Coach Rolo….maybe we get a game with the Cougars later on down the line.
“Just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, Washington State football players hiked up and down icy staircases, trudged through snowy pathways and drove on slick roads to make a late-afternoon meeting at the Cougar Football Complex.
If any of them were uncertain or iffy about their future with a new coach, a brief chat with Nick Rolovich inside the glitzy, $61 million home of Washington State football might have been the thing to settle their nerves.”
New $61 mil complex….hooooo.
https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-football/wsu-players-fired-up-after-meeting-new-football-coach-nick-rolovich/
Wow!…I’m jealous…..we don’t even get a ride with a private golf cart!…LOL!
“Athletic director Pat Chun and other members of WSU’s administration interviewed the former Hawaii coach in Las Vegas on Monday, and the party returned to Pullman in a private airplane Tuesday afternoon, in time for Rolovich to meet his new roster.”
“One WSU signee, offensive lineman Dylan Mayginnes, told The Spokesman-Review on Tuesday night that Rolovich had already made calls to a handful of the recruits who signed with Leach and the Cougars during December’s early period.”
Something we can’t yet do here….
These are not going with Rolo based on today’s article in the paper: Batoon, Banker, Logo, Abe, Yoro and Weber, Alllen. Going with him to include Cvercko and Bradshaw.
217
I’m hoping we can keep the defensive staff. I know a lot of fans bashed on Batoon this past season but I think he’s the right coach. He just needs to add more speed with his players.
Surprised he didn’t take Weber I thought he did a great job. So who else knows the RNS since they all left?
219
I don’t think it’s 100% they left. Yeah they were at the press conference but notice that they aren’t finalizing their coaching roster. I think especially Stutz applied for the job and they’re just waiting to see if he gets the HC job or not. If he’s not the HC then he’s for sure going to WSU.
Artie said Pullman is like Wyoming and he thinks it’s hard to recruit there. He and June Jones are originally from Portland, Oregon.
Once Batoon gets his defensive production up to where the offenses was/is he will get scooped up just like Rolovich. Still some unfinished business here. Whole defensive staff. But the structure is there. The personnel is taking shape. The leadership and development has been visible. He did develop a scheme that highlighted Jahlani’s versatility resulting in his being drafted so he can develop NFL talent. On the same track as Rolo’s offense was. Exactly same. So this season will be his defensive Phase II. He is a good fit here. Whole staff actually. Yoro will be the next “big thing” one day. Been mentored perfectly. But Batoon has ACC/SEC DC on his agenda I think. A chip is there. He defense will be ready to break out. Soon. He has to stay. All of them.
If Rolo doesn’t succeed at WSU, Will we welcome him back?
223
Of course but he not coming back. I liked his approach to the run n shoot. I think when running efficiently, it’s tougher to defend against than June’s run n shoot.
TELL YOU WHAT, THANKFUL WE DONT HAVE DOBELLE, FRAZIER, GREENWOOD, APPLE, AND A FEW OTHERS ALONG WITH THE “BOARD OF RATS” TO MESS UP UH ATHLETICS. THEY SETBACK UH ATHLETICS BACK 20 YRS. WHEW!!!!
225
idk she may not have been the best but Greenwood was one of the key people in getting UH in the Mountain West.
#217 – it is incorrect, or at best premature, to conclude that Batoon, Banker, Logo, Abe, Yoro, Weber, and Allen are not going to Wazzou. Their names were not mentioned at all in today’s story.
Rob DeMello reports that Banker is also in Pullman.
227. Yes, but the article states “Three UH football coaches appear set to join the WSU coaching staff.” Also said Cvercko and Bradshaw expected to join too. However, all except coach Ghobrial are still listed in the UH staff directory.
Hmmmn, here is a list of recent Cougars playing on Sundays ….that’s a fair amount of guys, and lots on the first day of the draft … https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Washington_State_Cougars_in_the_NFL_Draft
#229 – the status of the remaining coaches who were not mentioned in the story may not yet be determined, ST may not have enough info to report on them, or he may have been asked to not report on them yet, so as I stated, your conclusion is incorrect or at least premature. The status of the coaches who were mentioned in the story has nothing to do with the status of the other coaches.
holy moley, Andy!!! i have never witnessed a blog going for upteem days — never, ever!!! is it because my good neighbor is busy with other assignments??
hello, Whitey! hello, Whitey! yes, the Niners are on a roll and it would be great to see them win a 6th super bowl!! we, entire family and faithful 9er fans, went to see the Seahawks game and we and thousands of fan came away very disappointed — was not aware that the Niners kicker was a ‘replacement’ for the veteran
now, with the all the injured back and playing well, per the Vikings game, expect the team to do well against the Packers — especially the front 7
Hello, Whitey! Hello, Whitey!!! how U stay? looking forward to our summer venture into the land of endless snow and ice — how about U?
after the rain comes the sun — same applies to UH football — supporting Stutz for HC and Jason Rivers as the WR coach — it would be a super combination!!! who would be the OC and play caller? it should be other than the HC who has enough to work on during training and games.
kinda late, but a very Happy New Year and best wishes for a great year for all TSAIKOS, near and far
perhaps, the ‘old’ Tsaikos will start posting again — those were to good ole days!!!!!!
hip hip hooray — hip hip hooray!
after more than 2 weeks of cloudy skies and rain – sun is shinning and blessing our valley with warmth!!
Stutz for HC and Jason Rivers for WR coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hearing on the coconut wireless and a little bird that speaks to me, that Jim Mora Jr, is on the inside track for the HC position…
No. 1 priority – Hire new HC. But losing Jason Cvercko really damages on-going recruiting. I wonder whom or if anyone has the point in ensuring the remaining staff is still talking to prospects. Is there an interim HC?
WHAAAT ????
Jim Mora Jr willing to work for 400 – 600K ???
ARE YOU SERIOUS ???
235: Yes, many don’t realize that losing Jason Cvercko who was the player personnel recruiter and strength coach Dwaine Bradshaw is also a blow to the program.
In some ways it’s encouraging that Mr Matlin is considering a range of candidates who may fit and satisfy his vision of who the new UH coach should be. Bad if he only limits the search to people from here or with Hawaii ties. Hopefully someone like Jim Mora Jr realizes that he made some mistakes while at UCLA and has learned from them.
234. Mora and Klemm are or were being sued by three former UCLA players for mistreatment.
Jim Mora Jr, is interesting, an obvious up and down record, but if I recall, he was both coach of the year in the NFL and the PAC 12….that is a ton of experience.
Cheee …
I wonder if Art Briles is willing to work for 400 – 600K.
Someone mentioned that he was coaching high school somewhere.
LOL
I think Briles might have still have some NCAA sanctions on him…
ok, ok! wah happened to my comments?
too spicy for the “overlord” in criticizing upper campus and the legislature?
The upper campus, state and student fees accounted for $20.4 million or 43.9% of the total operating revenues budget of $46.4 million for UH athletics in FY 2018… (that’s the latest figures i could find) .
Recently, the state added $4 million to whatever the current university support is, including some for UH-Hilo.
I hope Matlin heavily considers the June Jones “Tree” (RnS or derivative) as he goes through those Resumes. Plus he needs to make sure there is an appreciation for the culture here. There was a disconnect with that under Norm Chow that turned off some (more than his offensive scheme). And while attendance was better under his tenure than with Rolo, the damage was extensive and will take time to repair (I didn’t expect that at all). So the combination of traits important for continuity are pretty clear cut IMO.
The design of the recruiting is what set Rolovich apart from Jones. He (with Batoon) would have advanced UH further than Jones (with McMackin) IMO. Phase IV was possible. That’s what WSU saw. The potential. The next coach (besides keeping Batoon and his staff) needs to have these abilities/traits on his resume and display those characteristics/qualities in his interview. I trust Matlin to do what is best. Tough decisions. And then there’s the attendance issue after that. Lots to figure out.
I read a tweet by an insider that also said it’s moras job Unless he has a change of heart.
245. Hard to believe that . What kind of fit does he have for Hawaii ? Does he have the right kind of “character” that Matlin is looking for ? Does he have the right type of offensive scheme ?
Mora doesn’t have kala worries. He has two buyouts in his possession, the most recent was for 12 million plus. That provides for lots of flexibility.
246. He is also on the older side than the four head coaches Matlin has hired for other sports.
He has two buyouts so that may indicate he is not a very good risk for being successful
islandman, he has had both greatsuccess and some less so. He has been coach of the year in the NFL and in the PAC 12…..that’s legit recognition on a CV.
And if I m not mistaken NicK Saban also has a couple of buyouts on his resume…in coaching, stay long enough, and you will be asked to leave.
I just don’t want anyone to change the offense. It’ll take 3 years to recruit for another system.
Wait I just checked some of this insider Leroy predictions… he seems more 50/50… so who knows.
I’ll just wait til our resident insider lets us know…
Boola …Matlin’s criteria are listed in #246 post, Does he meet those criteria such as the right fit for Hawaii ? Just asking. Brennan Carroll is a candidate someone said. Pete takes vacations in Hawaii.
We’re the house of Title IX. Art Briles would be a horror show.
Watching the Poly Bowl and ,,,get some big humans man!
Local boyz doing quite well Thank You….Did anyone offer Koali? The man can play with anybody actually.
IMO, if Craig goes to WSU, he gains money. He won’t gain any status as a play-caller because he’s like the 3rd wheel (whether it’s fair or not), and his career will continue to be tied to Rolo’s success or failure. If he wants to advance his career, at some point he needs to split off from Rolo and make his own reputation.
Why is there no new articles on tsai site . It’s. Been a while nothing . Maybe he in Washington and rolo’s may pay him to. Nah just a joke
WSU Rolo hired a Def Coordinator, DE /Co-special teams coordinator, and DB coach from Wyoming’s staff. The Wyoming scoring defense was good last season , allowing only 16.1 pts per MW game.
Today’s paper said the turnstile of 5096 was 2nd largest for MBB this season but i think it was the largest ?
found on another site …
Coach Abe tweeted from HNL – “taking off to find next class of Warriors”.
STUTZMAN FOR UH HEAD COACH. COACH CRAIG, BORN AND RAISED HAWAIIAN AND UH PRODUCT.
Whom ever the HC and/or OC will be I hope to see the offense evolve some. Seemed so bogged down by “idealistic” trust in the system. Even the running game aspect seemed “system” driven.
I hope to see more personnel specific packages as the situation dictates, especially in goaline, red zone, and vs 8 man coverage.
More use of RB’s in passing game, more stretch running plays, bigger (flex TE’s) slots in some sets (like Clark Evans, Makoa Camanse-Stevens, or even like Justin Clapp , just bigger more physical targets some situations), more rolling pocket stuff (is misdirection part of RnS), some 2 back sets on certain occasions (Mauia with Ilaoa nostalgia) and even a little wildcat when possible.
The offense is loaded (maybe just the QB depth is an issue) for next season and any incoming coordinator can see the potential here. The offense was real good 2019 but with some “evolution” it can be Great 2020. You can really see it. You can advance your career here guarantee. Quite a structure/foundation Rolo built. Evolve now.
Just for info:
https://virginiasports.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/robert-anae/2615
#264…Kanole…Mahalo for the article…stats look good….maybe a good fit if the $’s can be pulled together.
Seems like good connections … Just hoping UH names a HC soon. Clock is ticking.
Mora Jr. Oh No!
need something to read ?
https://www.cougcenter.com/wsu-cougars-football/2020/1/13/21063228/nick-rolovich-offense-run-and-shoot-introduction
01/18/20. MWC news sez …
OL coach Mark Weber is leaving Hawaii for Washington State.
Rob DeMello previously mentioned that Weber was up at Pullman
Cole McDonald returns …… for 24 hours.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/01/20/sports/cole-mcdonald-returns-reminisces-about-his-time-as-the-hawaii-qb/?HSA=241d0e32fcd4e381c80ebdf707bd8d4ccbab6b89
Do UH fans and boosters have the power or influence to nix a hiring decision like at other schools if they don’t like the choice? Boosters at ASU rejected June Jones, while UCLA boosters had Rocky Seto’s hire as their DC revoked after making a stink.
I hope there are more interviewees. Although Anae runs an air raid, it’s a lot more balanced than traditional air raids.
270,
I hope they do. But I’m sure matlin will also monitor a negative response on social media. I believe anyone would nowadays.
Many ways to win a football game.
49ers…Mostert..29 rush attempts…220 yds.
Garoppolo…8 pass attempts … 70+ yds.
What would our Warriors record look like if there was more balance to the offense? Passing attack is exciting…when it’s successful but we do get up and jump around when our backs break off a long run..don’t we?
Don’t care how … just win.
My guess is Anae is the next UH HC. An OC from a Power 5 school plus he’s a local boy Kahuku grad. It’s almost a lock.
273,
The thing is we tried that with Chow.
Wins are wins but Touchdowns put people in the stands. If you’re used to a top ten scoring attack, it’s a letdown just look at these forums when Chow was coach. Everyone got so angry because the offense wasn’t good.
I hope Anae (if he is chosen) understands the high flying expectations and history of the best of the program in the past 20 years
Expect to see a staff made up of former BYU coaches and players. Recruits will include a large number of returned missionaries, too. Short hair will be the norm, handcuffing recruiting.
Be wary of a head coach candidate in his sixties who has always been an assistant
I saw a few Virginia games and it aint no Run n Shoot! Air Raid my foot! It would be Norm Chow ALL OVER AGAIN!! COME ON NOW AD WAKE UP!! DONT BE STUPID! BRING IN YOUNGER GUYS! STUTZMAN FOR HEAD COACH IS THE MANTRA (mantra sounds familiar LOL)
Maitlin is aching for a sub 20,000 attendance at Aloha Stadium. AD is forgetting UH is NOT a Power 5 big body conference team. UH has to go with an up to date Rock n Roll offense. COME ON WAKE UP !!!!
275. UH was #24 in Scoring Offense in 2019 and #49 in 2018.
How about BATOON FOR HC. Also, Tim Chang as OC. Thats if Stutz stays in WASH. EHHHH may not be that bad.
Starving for news on the recruiting front….ST….You there ?
270.
Didn’t the Arizona QB threaten to transfer if Ken Niumatalolo became the head coach?
1. Run and shoot
2. Spread/flex-bone
3. anything else
Think stutz is out
Great home visit with @CoachStutzmann last night!!! #GoCougs https://t.co/54IJy0CeMe
Looks like Rocky Logo to WAZZU.
New Hawaii coach going get plenty pukas to fill.
I feared the worst but was pleasantly surprised when Rolo was hired. Again I fear the worst but hope to be pleasantly surprised again.
The “gotta have faith” meter is starting to tremble a bit towards the 3/4 line as time goes. Probably cuz we’re not hearing much from the usual sources except for the occasional Twitter feeds but even that is slow as a’a.
While the program is in a much better place than it was when Rolo took it over, I don’t think it can withstand another rebuilding period. Fan support is already hanging by a thread.
Anae withdraws his name
Banker to coach safeties at Wazzu
Good, Anae gone, no Mora, no Carroll. Do not screw this hire up. Common sense is to go with someone that provides continuity and seamless transition. Just gotta fill the gaps. How about Batoon HC, Chang OC, Cal Lee DC, Miano maybe someplace as coach, or a reasonable facsimilie.
Am I the only one starting to think that as everyone starts to see the whole picture at UH, that no one qualified WANTS the job???
Tim Chang as coach and bring in Colt Brennan as QB coach.
Chang is an all-timer in the Islands, no doubt…..but he’s got barely 5 years of coaching under his belt. He is not even close to ready to be a HC…with all due respect to Tim, it would be extremely foolish to promote him so soon. He’ll get his chance in the future I’m sure.
# 291.
So, Banker went for the money, instead of
“wanting to coach in Hawaii”. In the past, he applied for
different jobs at Hawaii. But, now that he is (was) here,
he took off for the moolah.
In the coaching world you often don’t bite the hand that feeds you….. Rolo is his guy
Plus his salary is likely to quadruple. Can’t really blame him for that….
Ana’s made 550 as OC at Virginia. The former coach from here stood to be paid or was paid 800k including bonus and was in line for retention bonus. Money I do not believe was behind withdrawal. Not a fit.
Colt would be a great role model, maybe he can produce another Johnny Manziel.
ARE YOU SERIOUS ???
ST’s column …
Ex-ASU coach emerges as candidate for Hawaii post as Virginia’s Robert Anae bows out.
Todd Graham.
https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/01/21/sports/sports-breaking/ex-asus-head-coach-emerges-as-candidate-for-hawaii-post-as-virginias-robert-anae-bows-out/
Graham seems like someone who would make a bad fit despite a somewhat capable method of managing. Hiring someone who will use Hawaii program as a springboard to launch a career is ok by me (would mean success was achieved) but the fit needs to be considered. Kind of important. Especially for continuity after that. Must be someone who fits well here on the application list. Graham would be a “checkdown” selection (safe I think but bad fit). The next coach may not be from the “Jones/Mouse RnS tree so we may have to figure out ways to support whomever is selected and see things from a larger perspective and make sure there is no failure (like under Chow). We’ll see.
Has the blog been abandoned?
ST tweet that Graham gets the job.
yup . Todd Graham it is.
Todd Graham
https://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2020/1/21/todd-graham-named-as-uhs-head-football-coach.aspx
I think this is his twitter feed for anyone interested:
@RealCoachGraham
ST, is he related to Billy Graham?
http://grantland.com/the-triangle/should-you-hate-this-coach/
It will be very interesting and important to see how he assembles his staff. Unfortunately he is working in a compressed time frame and a smaller budget. Best of luck and looking forward to seeing the next season gets rolling along.
309.
You just made me sad.
He was at ASU for six years and then fired so no stepping stone there. According to an AZcentral poll, 65% of the fans felt his firing was a mistake. Boosters apparently expected a perennial top 20 team. He was thanked for instilling discipline and academics to the Devils. Let’s give the dude a chance shall we?
Give him a chance! Let’s go! Hawaii Bowl or buss!
“Just win baby,,,,,,”
For at least one year, his ASU pass defense was poor and also the defense as a whole.
The last time I had this sick feeling in my gut was when Gib was hired.
Looks like Reardon is already hating. Hope he doesn’t make it a big distraction like he did with Chow.
Wow, WarriorBeat is pretty much shutdown with new content.
Wouldn’t mind seeing wes suan as oc but I think he’s with june in the xfl. One thing I liked about rolos run n shoot was he implemented the rpo which most conservative RnS guys don’t know anything about. Maybe Timmy might be a good pick to run the offense but I’m not sure.
Why do UH fans resemble the fans in the movie Hoosiers regarding Coach Graham’s hiring?
https://youtu.be/MH4Q8vkbV2U
If you look at the big picture this is a good (maybe not great but who knows) hire. Sounds like Brian Kelly (Notre Dame Head coach) when he talks. Kind of in a “matter of fact”, little simplistic way (not as simplistic as McMackin though). Maybe a little glib (not as frivilous as VonAppen) but that trait may come in handy when recruiting . Perhaps not as in tune within the culture here (cannot be worse than Chow) but he may assemble a staff that can be (I know he’s a defensive guy but please keep Batoon, Abe and Yoro).
He had moderate+ success at Power 5 level and real good success at Group of 5 level. I did like the open style of offense that Tulsa was known for when he was there. If the RnS can be his base I’m sure he can evolve it unreal (different and less “idealistically” than Rolo/Stutz based on my recollections of Tulsa’s offense under him). Just the fit (“Ohana” style) is an issue. I’m not going to worry yet. And if this is a “stepping stone” job for him then “evolve” the program and go. But advance the program and be accountable first. Can do I think. May be unreal. Who knows? Clean slate with unreal roster just waiting to get going. Lets Goooooooooooo.
I think I’m going to try and look at things this way. I love the run and shoot concepts and the explosiveness and excitement it brings to the fans. When you get the personnel just right (2001, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2019?) its unreal. But the one thing that (IMO) held itself back was the inflexibility of the personnel packages. I think things will change now.
The RnS route tree can change a single play a lot different ways. Four wide. Five wide. So variable. So flexible. But changing the personnel package usually means just plugging new players in the vacated spots. Nothing more really. Just different guys running the same tree routes. Especially with Jones’ RnS. At least Rolovich brought in some guys for specific reasons, especially when he needed YAC or when some guys struggled with press coverage. So….not so flexible in that respect.
I don’t know who the OC will be but I feel like with the existing offensive roster and the many varying skillsets on it, there is a chance that the offense can expand. Different guys in packages that specialize in different things. Maybe it can resemble an NFL offense. Or maybe look like Boise’s or Oklahoma’s. Spread, but variable. Imagine what is possible… Graham (via Matlin)… I think this can work.
Have a close friend who is close to ASU. His son was student manager under Graham. He said here’s what you get, character, discipline and tough. Also said when he has a DC and he manages game that’s the best combo. Great guy good heart connects well. He thinks it a win-
Aloha Coach Graham….lots of expectations to meet but…we have a bunch of Warriors who are raring to go.
Build on the success they have and get better….IMUA!
It seems the blog is in hospice.
I going visit Matlin and sell him land in Leilani Estates. Hopefully I’m wrong.
What uhad said was all balony
He should I’d his list of experts who recommended new coachyshoo
Good luck Coach Graham. You have a lot of mountains to climb and i want to wish you the best in getting the Warriors organized and ready for next season. Coach Rolovich left you a very good core and the recruits that signed are good. Your asst coaches will also have lots of work and getting to jnow the players Nd our culture. Best wishes.
If the Warrior Beat is not even going to post anything about something as significant as a coaching change, why is it still around? Or maybe someone else can take over if ST has lost interest?
I mean, geez … we’re at over 300 posts on an old entry. That means there are still people interested in talking UH football on a SA platform. What gives?
I kind of like this “general discussion” format (lull?). No sudden topic changes that messes up your thought process. Must be real busy time for whole SA staff.
This blog has run its course and is dead. Time for change. BYE
Here’s some ideas of making some money off the new hire coach enthusiasm for speed. How about a mascot paid for by its sponsor—or maybe just a big flag advertisement to get around the Hawaiian Studies old foggies. For example: Zippy’s. Zip Zip here and Zip Zip there. Or a flying football named Hawaiian Air. The UH Football “Space Force”.
I also like the idea of a plate lunch mascot: Gravy All Over…sponsored by Aloha Drive In
17.88 posts per day. Ranging from the signing of a new DB to a good start to MBB conference season to Rolovich and Cole leaving and then Graham coming in. 17.88 per day.
IpuMan, wouldn’t it be more better to be sponsored by RAINBOW Drive Inn 🙂
We are barely keeping this alive… Stay strong everyone!
Only Abe, Batoon & Yoro remain
Maybe Tsai forgot the password?
I realize that the HC has stated that hiring assistants will not be rushed. BUT it is always fun to speculate and we may to entertain ourselves for the time as we move to 500 posts on this blog. Any “local” candidate comes to mind? Former NFL players? Brostek? Tanuvasa? Kreutz?
Big Wave, oops, brain drain.
Hurry up O sounds GOOD !! Rolo regime seemed a bit slow and gave opposing D too much time to set up. We’ll see how it goes.
Mascot should be one big dried Aku and then we get a huge corporate sponsorship from Listerine—perfect !!!
Sayonara Tsaikos
Yoro retained by Graham. Reported on HawaiiAthletics.com
UC-Irvine lost at Long Beach. Hawaii needs to take advantage of this four-game home stand. If the last place team beats the first place team, you’re the SWAC. This is the year.
It’s time for an inspirational speech by Coach SteveM
I’ve followed this blog for years, never posted anything. But I am concerned with the whereabouts of ST. Is he ok? Can’t remember going this long without any new posts.
If Coach Graham walks the talk, I think the program is continuing in the right direction. Hopefully he can expand on what Coach Rolo and his staff built to this point. Good to hear Coach Yoro has been retained. I think Coach Batoon is possibly another Aranda, I feel that when Aranda was here he didn’t have the right athletes to run his schemes on defense with success. I would like to see Coach Abe retained.
People from the south are actually more like Hawaii people than California or east coast people. They smoke menthol, hunt pigs, drink beer and like big trucks lol.
this might have been posted previously …
https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/asu/2020/01/22/todd-graham-hired-hawaii-football-coach-arizona-state/4540448002
RE: #346
el burro – Maybe it is time for ST to give up the blog. After 13+ years of him spending 11 months a year down in the quarry with the football, baseball, basketball and whatever teams he is covering… he must see and know a lot of things.
Probably too much… and he respects confidentiality and walks around with tape all over his mouth.
HOWEVER… if you disagree, then keep checking back here on this blog even if there is no new post..click on this old entry. The number of blog visitors (a.k.a. “hits”) is still internet currency and if his hit count is still high during this hiatus, the Star-Advertiser might become encouraging.
Ok. Now that Matlin has the Football Coach in place he has to put some focus into the attendance problem. Something has to change. The Ticket package program didn’t work that good and the marketing was hard to find (wasn’t so noticeable). There was never a “buzz” building up during the week of the games (even the SDSU game). I remember (even during Chow’s tenure) some excitement and anticipation during home game week in past years.
The product on the field was good but it wasn’t so, so dominant (bandwagon fans want to see dominance before committing). Most of the games here could have went either way actually (I think they really blew the chance to sway bandwagon fans in the Central Arkansas second half meltdown). There wasn’t really a “must see” star (there was but he was kicked off the team) like there was 2006 to 2010 seasons. But I think this is going to change soon.
The problem seems to be with the “Topography” of the venue and its event. Not real attractive (not necessarily in terms of looks but in terms of feel). Needs to feel like an “Event”. Lots of ways to fix this. The food (can Costco setup and run the bottom concourse area? so efficient) . The fun (give the students the whole upper concourse areas and seats to use as a “lounge” party area; maybe redesign a little? and reclaim their section for “family friendly” fans). The tailgate (less “gestapo” intervention). The “Feel”. Got to create a “buzz”. Matlin seems like a real capable guy. Somebody help him.
Has Isaiah Mays arrived?
in case anyone’s interested in Rolo’s contract …
https://footballscoop.com/news/details-for-nick-rolovichs-contract-at-washington-state-are-out/
Hey all,
Stephen has been pretty caught up in his print responsibilities of late, but he’s resolved to resume the blog soon. Thanks for your patience.
Thank you for the update Brian! It’s very much appreciated!
I figured Stephen was on holiday or something. Everyone deserves a break now and then.
Maybe Mr. Tsai got a offer from Rolo.
Keeping another defensive coach
https://twitter.com/StephenTsai/status/1220887139220516866?s=19
# 357. Coach Abe.
https://hawaiiathletics.com/news/2020/1/24/football-elimimian-joins-grahams-staff-as-defensive-assistant.aspx
They overwork Stephen. Should give men’s basketball back to Brian, although Brian does a lot too now.
Aloha, Tsaikos!
Glad to hear that the long delay in starting a new entry on the blog was simply that ST was overwhelmed by his day job responsibilities. I was worried that he had health problems, and am very glad to hear that he plans to renew updating the blog some time in the future.
I had been checking for a new blog entry, but hadn’t been reading the comments on this blog.
It was only today that I decided to see what entries people had been making. I found it really interesting to review the stream of blog comments speculating on who would be the new Head Coach hire. Jim Mora had the inside track!!
I am impressed with Matlin’s choice of Coach Graham. (I think Matlin actually has a pretty good record in hiring new coaches, and I like that he got the selection done as quickly as possible under UH hiring requirements.)
I’m glad that Coach Graham has substantial experience as a head coach. I think it is a big leap to go from being an assistant to being responsible for the entire team. That was a major concern that I had about Craig Stutzman becoming the new head coach.
Also I like the obvious excitement and passion Graham is showing for building on the success we have had on the field in recent years and for fostering a championship attitude and focus in everything the team does on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
So far he is saying and doing the right things, and seems to have gotten buy-in from the players, if Chevan’s reaction is any indication. He stressed that he knows he has a lot to learn, and is reaching out to past players and members of the community to help him learn and understand what is needed to make Hawaii football successful.
My vote is to give the man a chance, and take him at his word by reaching out to him. I especially think that those Tsaikos who are former UH players should drop him a line and welcome him and provide any useful thoughts or suggestions they might have.
Go Warriors! Go Bows!
@Lopaka43
Amen. Nice, comforting, post.
Maybe should do a roll call (or something similar) on a future updated blog entry . Let the SA know it is “encouraging” here still. Identify the interest and resume accordingly. Its fun here. A nice diversion (information wise) to the radio, TV, and print media regarding UH Athletics. I Love it. Awesome.
UC-Davis two conference wins came on the road and their two losses came at home. They lost close games at New Mexico, at Berkeley, and at Utah. Deceptive record.
Just thought of 1 positive thing: in 2021, Wazzou plays BYU. The game will be on TV somewhere. They will show several clips of *Hawaii* QB Nick Rolovich shredding BYU into little bits. It’s can’t hurt for the whole country to see that on TV..
Did you know that the Hula Bowl from 1951 to 1959 was between the College All-Stars and the Hawaiian All-Stars with a few NFL pros added to the Hawaiian roster ? Such pros through the years as Johnny Lujack, Sammy Baugh, Herman Wedemeyer, Bobby Layne ,Doak Walker, Frank Gifford, Y A Title, Hugh McElhenny, Crazylegs Hirsch, Otto Graham.
Then in 1960 it was between two college all-star teams which included many top college players such as Billy Cannon, Tarkenton, Marino, Plunkett, Dorsett, Deion Sanders, etc. Also Paul Hornung in 1957. The format was changed because the NFL banned the pros from playing in the Hula Bowl as they preferred to play in it instead of the Pro Bowl.
New post up