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Thursday, January 20, 2000
Jones to name
defensive chief
The UH football coach is
By Paul Arnett
expected to pick his replacement
for Greg McMackin by week's end
Star-BulletinHawaii head coach June Jones expects to announce a new defensive coordinator by the end of the week.
Jones returned from a recruiting trip on Tuesday and said yesterday that he was talking to one more coach before deciding who he wants to fill the position vacated by Greg McMackin.
"It has been going real well," Jones said. "I expect to reach a decision soon. There has been a lot of interest and I believe we'll find the right man for the job."
Sources close to the team confirmed Jones' final three candidates were one coach from the CFL, another from the NFL and one assistant on the current staff. It's believed linebackers coach George Lumpkin is that candidate, but Jones declined to comment on any of the three. Lumpkin served as former head coach Bob Wagner's defensive coordinator in 1995. Early on, Wagner had expressed interest in the position, but at this point, it's unlikely the current Arizona linebackers coach will be hired for the job.
Recruiting continues for UH this week as well, so Jones has been busy on several fronts. He said he will try to attend Saturday's Hula Bowl if his recruiting schedule allows it.
"This is our third big weekend," Jones said. "After that, we hope to get some firm commitments before the signing date on Feb. 2."
Two junior college quarterbacks signed at midterm and are already in school. Jones would probably like to bring in at least two high school prospects to keep from having to go the junior college route as often in the future.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
