Warriors' special teams coach McKnight not returning
By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Special teams coach Dennis McKnight has told colleagues he has decided not to return to the University of Hawai'i football team.
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McKnight cited family concerns in discussing his decision with colleagues. McKnight's wife and children live in San Diego, where he owns a house and a successful car-cleaning business. After each season, McKnight returned to San Diego.
Dennis McKnight's wife and children live in San Diego, where he spends the off-season.
"I'll miss him," said UH assistant Mike Cavanaugh, who coaches the offensive line. "He's a good coach and a great guy."
McKnight did not return messages left on his cellular telephone. UH coach June Jones declined comment "at this time," and refused to say whether McKnight had decided on the matter. Jones and McKnight spoke last week, but Jones said the conversation "was private — between me and him."
But the Warriors already have made plans to go on without McKnight.
Associate head coach George Lumpkin and assistant coach Wes Suan will coordinate the punt and punt-return units; Cavanaugh will oversee the extra-point and field-goal teams, and assistant coaches Rich Miano and Ron Lee will handle the kickoffs and kick-returns.
The 41-year-old McKnight, who played 11 years in the National Football League, was one of the first assistants hired after Jones became UH head coach in December 1998. Nicknamed "Conan" for his louder-than-life style, McKnight energized the special teams with his unique coaching. He gave units military names and awarded specially designed T-shirts to deserving players.
"Not only was he great in teaching fundamentals, he was a hell of a motivator," Cavanaugh said. "He got the most out of his players. That's all you can ask for."
McKnight's position on the staff is not expected to be filled this year.
