Jones confirmed that he has pared the list of finalists to three — including his mentor, Darrell "Mouse" Davis — from an original list of six. Jones said all have NFL experience.

"But nothing is a done deal," Jones said. "There are people who may think they know but that would be wrong. Right now it is premature to say I've decided upon a coach."

The 71-year-old Davis, head coach of the San Diego Riptide of the arenafootball2 league, said he has not been offered the job.

"He (Jones) is still contemplating his different (options) and what he needs to do," Davis said. "There's been no final decision at this point."

Davis, who coached Jones at Portland State in the 1970s, said, "we're in the middle of a season and in the hunt for a playoff berth."

The next hire will be UH's third special teams coach in six years. UH has had an opening since Tyson Helton left in March for a job at the University of Memphis, where his brother, Clay, coaches.

Before that, Dennis McKnight served as Jones' first special teams coach. McKnight is among those who have been considered for the current opening.

Frank Gansz, who retired after two decades in the NFL, worked with the Warriors in spring practice but is not a candidate.