Mouse Davis, who coached the offensive line during spring practice, will oversee the running backs. UH coach June Jones emphasized that Suan and Davis will assist each other.

"I'm excited about it," said Suan, who coached the offensive line for seven seasons at Linfield College before joining UH in 1999, Jones' first season as the Warriors' head coach. Suan and Jones have been friends for more than 30 years.

Suan said Jones had discussions with a coach with NFL experience. "That didn't work out," Suan said.

Jones expressed confidence in Suan's teaching methods, saying, "He's a good football coach, one of the better coaches I've had. He's just a good man."

Suan said he will maintain the pass-blocking system implemented by Jones. Suan knows the blocking calls because in UH's four-wide system, the running back serves as a sixth blocker.

"I've been with the system for six years, observing, learning," Suan said. "I know the calls and the schemes. It's a matter of fine-tuning things, and bringing those guys together to play as one."

The line returns six players who started last season.

"I told him, 'Don't screw those kids up,' " Davis said, laughing. "I'm kidding. Wes will do a great job with them, too. It's a good fit for him. It'll be good for our offense."

Suan said: "It'll definitely be consistent with what June expects out of his system. What I can bring to the table is teaching the technique and making sure they do it correctly. The proof is going to be in the pudding. It's how we do with our techniques and assignments. I think I can maintain that level and maybe increase it."

Davis said he will be available if Suan needs advice.

"We'll be helping each other out," Davis said. "Wes is a good buddy. I'm excited about what I can do for him."

Davis coordinated UH's special teams last season.

He said it has not been decided how those coaching duties will be divided for the coming season.

"We're going to talk about special teams in another week," Davis said. "We'll see."