Greg McMackin could be chosen as the University of Hawai'i's next head football coach as early as tonight, according to people familiar with the situation.

McMackin, the Warriors' defensive coordinator in 1999 and 2007, and associate head coach George Lumpkin are the only confirmed candidates who will meet with the selection committee this afternoon.

The vacancy was created when June Jones resigned last week after nine seasons to accept the head coaching job at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

McMackin is considered to be the overwhelming favorite.

After meeting with the candidates, the nine-member committee — led by co-chairs Virginia Hinshaw, the Manoa chancellor, and Carl Clapp, acting director of athletics — will forward its recommendation to UH President David McClain tonight.

Although the Board of Regents has final approval, UH, because of the time-sensitive urgency, is expected to announce the next head coach during a news conference tomorrow morning.

The Regents meet Friday, the same day the Warriors would like to bring in prospects for 48-hour recruiting visits.

BACKED BY JONES

McMackin already has received the backing of Jones; Na Koa, the football team's booster club; and UH assistant coaches Rich Miano and Jeff Reinebold.

Even Lumpkin said he supports McMackin's candidacy.

"Mac and I are really close," Lumpkin said. "He's a really good friend. He knows I think he's a great coach."

Reached by cell phone while attending a golf awards banquet yesterday on the Big Island, McMackin deferred commenting until "the process is over."

Lumpkin, meanwhile, said he applied as a way to "make sure that one of us is there to keep the staff together."

If McMackin is hired, Miano, Lumpkin and brothers Carl and Ron Lee are expected to remain on the coaching staff. Strength coach Mel deLaura also will stay. Reinebold is mulling whether to stay or join Jones at SMU.

A former player who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation said he was asked about the possibility of joining McMackin's staff. The player said he has not had any direct conversations with McMackin.

Jones told one staff member that UH is expected to offer the next head coach a financial package worth more than $1 million a year.

BIG PAY RAISE

Jones earned $800,016, half of which was paid through donations, in an annual base salary during his last five-year contract with UH. He was offered $1.5 million a year to remain at UH.

McMackin earned a base salary of $110,000 last year in leading a defense that improved in several key categories from the previous season.

McMackin was the defensive coordinator on Jones' first UH staff, in 1999. That team went 9-4, setting an NCAA record for greatest one-season improvement. UH was 0-12 in 1998, Fred vonAppen's last season as head coach.

McMackin joined Texas Tech in 2000 after the Red Raiders quadrupled his UH salary. He then coached with the San Francisco 49ers. He did not coach in 2006 while recovering from knee surgery.

When Jerry Glanville resigned after two seasons as UH's defensive coordinator, Jones called McMackin. He was hired officially last April.

McMackin also has served as the defensive coordinator for the University of Miami, which was ranked No. 1 nationally in total defense while he was there, and with the Seattle Seahawks, who then set a National Football League record by scoring 14 defensive touchdowns.

"Coach Mac is the best man for the job," said linebacker Solomon Elimimian, who will be a senior next season. "He has everybody's respect on the team, along with the coaching staff. He knows about the culture of Hawai'i. He knows about us as people. I've talked to a lot of guys on the team, and he's their choice. Coach Mac will bring us together."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.