Semi OT/Future Opponent Watch: Hawaii hires Nick Rolovich as head coach

Submitted by MaizeJacket on

I haven't seen this on the board anywhere, so I am posting it since it is relevant to Michigan, as Hawaii is the season opener for 2016.

Rolovich played QB at Hawaii (fairly decently), and served as Nevada's offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach during the 2014 season.

http://coachingsearch.com/article?a=Nick-Rolovich-named-Hawaii-head-coa…

Mr. Yost

November 30th, 2015 at 12:36 PM ^

But I hope they keep football. Just play the EWU's and play FCS ball. I think they could compete at that level.

At the very minimum, I'd really like to see us go to (8) 12-team conferences. That's still 96 teams. Realistically we could damn near cut that in half. But it would be a nice start.

The bottom 20 teams in the country have no business even being on the same field as the majority of the FBS.

RHammer - SNRE 98

November 30th, 2015 at 3:38 PM ^

schedule for 2016 has only 5 games on it at present:

http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-16/2016-hawaii-warriors-football-schedule.php

I know you have to adjust for various scheduling issues, but it is nearly December of the year immediately prior and there are four games at the beginning of the season, and one late; of course, they went 3-10 this year, so...

Spunky

November 30th, 2015 at 1:14 PM ^

I wonder why Hawaii didn't go after Babers. He would bring an exciting offense, and potentially get fans in the stadium.

And I don't understand why Hawaii football isn't great. With a good coach and recruiter, it seems like Hawaii could quickly improve its program. It shouldn't be too hard to convince star recruits and their families to come for official visits to paradise. The beautiful location, access to Pacific Island (and California) talent should make Hawaii an attractive job. I don't get it. I guess the finances and support for the program just isn't there.

Wolverine In Exile

November 30th, 2015 at 2:37 PM ^

Hawaii has no money for recruiting and the facilities are less than most big football CONUS state high schools. Add to that a NFL sized stadium that doesn't really have a good game day vibe, a place that's really expensive to live (and visit, and travel to/from home), and that all their games are at least 2 hours behind the closest mainland... yep, Hawaii has issues with fielding a consistent, winning football team. 

Rabbit21

November 30th, 2015 at 4:32 PM ^

Add to that that their travel schedule is horrific.  Every away game they have to make a stop for the night in LA both coming in and leaving the mainland.  

I really wonder why they continue to have a football program, seems to be more trouble than it's worth.  Cost of living there I think has to severely limit the available assistant pool as well.

UESWolverine

November 30th, 2015 at 4:59 PM ^

Money is definitely an issue. Chow almost got half of what Jones was getting. Not sure what McMakin was making but I know it was up there. I've got to believe that money was part of the reason Jones didn't come back but I could be wrong.

I'm sure Rolo isn't going to make what Chow was getting. Kind of surprised Rich Miano didn't get the spot, but I'm happy for the school. Rolo could work out great. I'll still never forget his last few games in '01 and what he did to BYU that last game. Was a crime they didn't get a bowl that year - I think they could've beat just about anybody in the nation the way they were playing.

It's actually a good atmosphere for games - I've been to a handful there. It's just weird because it's also a swap meet - in the parking lot. When they had Chang and Brennon - the crowds were great. 

Somebody also mentioned the logo. Chow brought back the 'Bow. I'll be curious if Rolo sticks with it or goes back to the Warriors - without the Raibow logo and colors. 

rschreiber91

November 30th, 2015 at 4:39 PM ^

I've seen UH play in person (wife is from Oahu), and the issue is undeniably money.  There's more than enough fan support to keep the team going, but the state is not willing to spend what's necessary to refurbish Aloha Stadium (which is a dump) or build a new one.  It doesn't help that the NFL has waffled on continuing to play the Pro Bowl there -- a commitment to continue that game and the tourism dollars it generates could provide a push to get the stadium renovated.  However, massive cost overruns on a public railway system leaves nothing in the coffer for football.  Money is what caused them to lose June Jones -- his and his staff's salaries and the infrastructure expenses -- and they've been a tire fire since he left.  As I recall, it cost the AD his job, and there has been talk about shutting down the program if they can't figure out how to fund it properly.  It's a shame, since football is really big on Oahu.