University of Hawai'i men's volleyball coach Mike Wilton tells reporters today that he can now celebrate his team's national championship after deciding to remain in Hawai'i. Wilton was heavily courted by Brigham Young University to coach its team. Gregory Yamamoto • The Honolulu Advertiser

“It just didn’t feel right,” said Wilton, who met with BYU officials last week in Provo, Utah.

Wilton is a high priest in Mormon Church, which administers BYU, and it was believed that he was leaning to accepting the job as successor to Carl McGown, who resigned at the end of the 2002 season.

But Wilton said today after much prayer and consultation with his family, he decided to remain at UH.

“I probably dreamed too much about wanting to coach at a Church school,” Wilton said.

“It would have been a nice situation, but it’s just inspiration that I’ve decided to withdraw.”

Wilton, who completed his 10th season with UH by winning the national championship this month, is under contract through Aug. 15.

Last week, he met with high-ranking UH officials to discuss a multi-year contract.

Wilton said no agreement has been reached and additional discussions have not been scheduled.

But he remained confident he will return for at least an 11th season.

“I’ll just kick back and play with dog and enjoy my family and grandchildren for a while,” said Wilton, who has four grandchildren and three of his five children living in Hawai‘i.

“We’ll talk later on. One big decision is enough at this time.”

Wilton plans on taking an informal vacation before preparing for summer scouting and his annual volleyball camp.

Wilton is the winningest coach (200 wins, 87 losses) in the UH men’s volleyball program, leading the Warriors to three NCAA final four appearances in the past eight seasons.

Wilton, who earns more than $80,000 in base pay a season, said he is seeking pay raises for long-time assistants Tino Reyes and his son, Aaron.