Warrior Beat

Expanded coverage of UH football, including practice notes, game analysis, recruiting info and observations on the Mountain West Conference.

About the blog host

Stephen Tsai covers University of Hawaii football for the Star-Advertiser. Follow him on Twitter @StephenTsai and sign up for the Hawaii football newsletter here: http://www.hawaiiwarriorworld.com/email-signup/

Latest news

Have a seat

By Stephen Tsai on December 22, 2011

Word on the boulevard is UH is planning to accept pre-Christmas deposits to purchase season tickets for UH football games. The Norm Chow era has started. * * * * * Oh, wait. The Chow era  begins in another 10 days. While Chow has signed a five-year contract (worth $550,000 per year, plus incentives), the deal does not trigger until New Year’s Day. So, for those wondering how Chow can work for two teams, the answer is: He’s not. He […]

Done deal

By Stephen Tsai on December 21, 2011

Norm Chow has signed his contract, and is officially the Warriors’ head coach. He will be introduced during a news conference tomorrow. Chow then leaves Friday for California for family obligations, then reports back to the Utes. He received permission to coach the Utes in the  Dec. 31 Sun Bowl. There is no timetable for assembling a staff; he agreed to interview member of the current UH staff. Chow signed a five-year deal worth $550,000 annually in base salary — […]

Chow on verge of being next UH coach

By Stephen Tsai on December 20, 2011

Barring a glitch in negotiations, which began last night, Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow will be named the next Warrior head football coach. UH higher-ups had a meeting last night, at which time AD Jim Donovan was authorized to begin negotiations with Chow. The sides were close to an agreement this morning. To paraphrase Robert Kekaula: “It’s Chow time.”

To-do list

By Stephen Tsai on December 19, 2011

With the new UH head coach not expected to come from the current staff, here is what awaits the successor to Greg McMackin: • Compiling a staff: AD Jim Donovan has said he wants the new guy to interview each member of the current staff. No promises on hirings, but each will receive an interview. The probable exception is receivers coach Mouse Davis, who is on vacation and expected to retire from the university. The UH assistant coaches have contracts […]

Late-night Chow

By Stephen Tsai on December 18, 2011

Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow arrived last night, then, at the First Hawaiian Bank building, met with the search/advisory committee that is helping to choose the next UH head coach for football. Chow was scheduled to catch the first flight this morning back to Salt Lake City. In all, he will have spent less than 10 hours on Oahu. Texas assistant head coach Duane Akina, Baylor associate head coach Brian Norwood and Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker get in-person […]

Walk the walk

By Stephen Tsai on December 17, 2011

* * * * * Wideout Royce Pollard and his three rings: * * * * * As an initial walk-on, Richard Torres did not sign a letter of intent. But he gets the last word, filling out his graduation card: * * * * * Linebacker Aaron Brown and his mother, Donna Mutch: * * * * * Quarterback Shane Austin, Pollard and wideout (and future doctor) Joe Avery: * * * * * Defensive end Zach Masch: * […]

Four and more

By Stephen Tsai on December 16, 2011

Set for interviews Sunday are Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker, Baylor associate head coach Brian Norwood and Texas assistant head coach Duane Akina. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter of the Jacksonville Jaguars also has an interview scheduled, although it is not known whether it will be in-person or through electronic communications. (Think Skype.) * * * * * Meanwhile, it’s a big recruiting weekend for the Warriors. Three prospects begin official visits tonight. * * * * * Like the […]

Family ties

By Stephen Tsai on December 15, 2011

Former UH head coach Bob Wagner said he would be “disappointed” if the next Warrior coach did not have ties to the program as a coach or player. Wagner said there are enough candidates with school ties that UH needs to “keep it in the family.” He said a deserving candidate is someone who has “sweat equity” in the program. * * * * * Duke Bukoski, a former all-state receiver from Saint Louis School, is in the process of […]