COACHING STAFF (CS)
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARBULLETIN.COM
June Jones said his intention was always for his road to end in Manoa as head coach for the University of Hawaii.
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Golden oldies lead the Warriors
June Jones recently recounted how a writer for a national publication claimed the new Hawaii coach assembled the worst staff in college football in 1999.
A few months later, Jones was vindicated by a 9-4 record and victory over Oregon State in the Oahu Bowl.
What the pundit didn't take into account, Jones said, was the aspect of loyalty. He said it is his No. 1 consideration when making hiring decisions.
"They knew nothing about Dan and Ron, who are great coaches and unbelievably great people. Everybody on the staff, they're just top guys."
Seven years later, the core of the original staff remains: Ron Lee, George Lumpkin, Rich Miano, Dan Morrison and Wes Suan. Dennis McKnight is so loyal, he returned this year as a graduate assistant.
And they're growing old together.
At 43, Miano is the youngest, and Jeff Reinebold is the only other under 50. Cal Lee turns 60 this fall.
The staff certainly doesn't lack for national name recognition anymore.
Mouse Davis, Jones' mentor and a coach some say changed the passing game forever with the run-and-shoot, is in his third, and probably final, season. He's 74.
The colorful Jerry Glanville is 64 and in his second year as Jones' defensive coordinator. He said he's here because he owes Jones, who was his quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator at Houston and Atlanta of the NFL.
Loyalty works both ways.
Unit at a glance
Overqualified but overjoyed
Dennis McKnight is testament to the American dream of taking to the open road and seeing where it may lead. He covered a sizable portion of the good old U.S.A. over the summer on his motorcycle.
This road, though, is one he's been down before. McKnight was an assistant coach at Hawaii in 1999 and 2000. He and June Jones finally found a fit again after two years of trying. Graduate assistant McKnight, at 46, has taken the equivalent of an internship.
McKnight's commanding presence could be just what the Warriors need. Under McKnight, UH was known for its ferocity on special teams. His top pupil, James Fenderson, made a pro career out of throwing his body around.
The former NFL offensive lineman will also tutor Hawaii's front five. McKnight should easily get their attention; he's been where they want to go. And was good enough to stay there 11 years.
Sometimes the open road leads you back to a place you've been before. It's called destiny, and McKnight is tied to Jones and Hawaii. "This team could be something very special. Let's get out there and do this thing," McKnight said.