My Hawaii Warriors
With the recent resignation of Todd Graham, the University of Hawaii will be conducting a search for its next Head Coach. This is my ideal coaching staff for the 2022 football season.
Head Coach: June Jones. Jones is a proven winner at Hawaii. Responsible for one of the greatest collegiate turnarounds in history, Jones went 9-3 in his first season in 1999. UH went 0-12 in 1998 and Jones’ Run n’ Shoot offense took QB Dan Robinson to another level. His offensive philosophy made Nick Rolovich, Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan household names in college football along with coaching Hawaii’s highest ever NFL draft pick in Ashley Lelie. Jones also sent Ikaika Alama-Francis, Pisa Tinoisamoa, Samson Satele, Vince Manuwai, Wayne Hunter, Nate Illoa, Reagan Maui’a, Davone Bess and Ryan Mouton among other to the NFL. Soloman Elimimian and Chad Owens became two of the best ever players in the Canadian Football League and Grey Cup champions. Jones is an excellent recruiter who plucked talent from all over the pacific and the west coast. He’s well connected with JUCO and P5 programs, giving him the ability to raid the transfer portal. Also Hawaii kids always hear about the 07 season, Jones’ reputation will keep some local kids home. Jones understands the culture, willing to work with the lack of funding and facilities at UH along with giving UH it’s best chance to win the Mountain West and return to a NY6 bowl game.
AHC: Rich Miano. A position he’s very familiar with, Miano is Hawaii through and through. A plethora of knowledge, the 10 year NFL vet is beloved in the islands. He is a strong recruiter, talented leader and could be heir apparent in case Jones wants to leave.
Co-OC/ RGC: Bo Graham. I know a lot of people are gonna look at me funny for this. Let me explain. Bo is already in place and his offensive scheme is very similar to the Run n’ Shoot. Bo is also on $200,000 dollars a year and has built a rapport with the players. Jones would still be the primary play caller but Graham’s ability to design run schemes made UH’s rushing offense potent and dangerous. Both Dae Dae Hunter and Dedrick Parson’s excelled under him along with the dynamic Calvin Turner Jr. His strength will make Hawaii’s offense complete with a dangerous pass and run game. Just remember, the best way to throw the ball is the make the defense afraid of the run.
Co-OC/ PGC/ QB coach: Timmy Chang. Chang who is the current Wide Receivers coach at Colorado State followed Jay Norvell from Nevada. However Colorado State already has a OC in Matt Mumme. Chang may have to sacrifice salary but would be able to have more responsibility and could come home. A Run n’ Shoot disciple, Chang understands the offense from both the quarterback and receiver perspective. His ability to work with UH’s QB’s and draw up passing patterns will take UH to the next level.
Co-DC: Victor Santa Cruz. The former Azusa Pacific Head Coach, Santa Cruz has served as DC for UH throughout Todd Graham’s two years. He understands the defense well and the last thing UH needs is an overhaul of both offense and defense with such a small time frame to go.
Co-DC: Jerry Glanville. The 80 year old coach currently sits as a Head Coach in the Spring League. The former UH DC and NFL Head Coach for the Houston Oilers & Atlanta Falcons is a legend. Coaching up some of the best defensive players in UH history, Glanville and his Grits Blitz defense would bring back an era of hard hitting aggression in the islands. Glanville would probably appreciate spending his twilight years in the islands still doing the thing he loves, coaching football and cussing people out.
Special Teams Coordinator: Jeff Reinebold. Reinebold loves Hawaii and he is very good at what he does. The current STC for the Montreal Alouettes, Reinebold coached at UH from 2006-2007. He followed Jones to SMU but left a positive impact in the islands, helping Ikaika Alama-Francis and David Veikune become second round picks. Reinebold was a D-line coach at UH so he’s versatile as well.
For the remaining position coaches, I’d like to keep coaches where they are. Too much turnover could derail the success of the 2022 season. To me, these men put UH in the best position to win right now.
