Committee to choose next coach set
| • | Kevin Gilbride has interest in UH |
By Michael Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer
Making good on repeated vows to consider a diversity of views in the selection of a new head football coach, University of Hawai'i at Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw yesterday appointed UH linebacker Adam Leonard as one of nine members of the official selection committee.
Committee Co-Chairs will be Associate Athletics Director Carl Clapp and Hinshaw.
The members are:
"We will move quickly to select the best possible candidate to serve as our head football coach," Hinshaw said. "The new coach must be someone who can lead a smooth transition for current team members, who appreciates the special connection between UH athletics and the people of Hawai'i, and who will continue to produce successful student-athletes.
"The members of the selection committee were chosen for their understanding of the relationship between UH athletics and our community," she said.
Leonard, who recently confirmed that he will return for his senior year with the football team, said the committee is scheduled to meet for the first time this Tuesday.
Under mutual agreement with the Hawai'i Government Employees Association, the University has to post an advertisement for the position for five days (rather than the 10 days normally afforded).
The ad was first posted on Tuesday and must run until Monday before the committee begins reviewing applicants.
The University's Human Resources office has been contacted by more than 30 people interested in the position.
"Hopefully, I'll get to speak for the team," Leonard said. "There's a leadership quality that we're looking for. We want a person that cares about the players on the team. We don't want to be just a stop for somebody trying to build his resume. The coach should be dedicated to the players on this team and to the state."
Leonard said selecting from one of the existing core of assistant coaches — defensive coordinator Greg McMackin is rumored to be the frontrunner — would help with the transition, but he's keeping an open mind.
"In any situation when a head coach leaves, the other coaches on the staff are able to help with a smoother transition because they've already built a relationship with the players," Leonard said. "At the same time, you never know if there's a head coach from the outside that can come in and maintain the flow."
Associate Athletic Director John McNamara said the earliest a new coach would be announced would be Wednesday.
Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.
