'Guru of special teams' to help UH football team

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Frank Gansz, who has earned a reputation as the "guru of special teams" because of his work in the NFL, will be a guest assistant coach during the University of Hawai'i football team's coming spring football practice.

"When it comes to special teams," UH coach June Jones said, "he's the best."

Jones added: "Most of what's done now (on special teams) in the NFL came from Frank. The concepts of basic protection, the concepts of tackling — they run rampant through Frank's influence."

With the departure of special teams coach Tyson Helton, who accepted a job at the University of Memphis last week, the Warriors had an opening on their coaching staff for the 15 days of spring practice that begins next Tuesday.

Jones asked Gansz, who retired from coaching after helping the St. Louis Rams win the Super Bowl in 2000, to help with "special teams and a bunch of other areas."

Jones left open the possibility that Gansz would agree to an extended stay.

"There's a chance," Jones said. "We're going to play it by ear."

Gansz also coached special teams for the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions.

"He's the guru of special teams," Helton said. "He's the best motivational speaker I've ever heard. When he walks into a room, the words start flowing. He's just awesome."

Dennis McKnight, a former UH coach who played for Gansz at Detroit, said: "I've had many coaches in my life, and he's at the top of the charts. What he taught us about football helped us become successful after football. He's just a highly motivated, passionate person who coaches for the right reason. He doesn't do it for the money or the prestige. He does it to help people."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com or 525-8051.