Warrior assistant
football coaches
won’t get pay raisesDespite Jones' attempts,
salaries will remain the
same as they were in 1999
There will be no pay raises for Hawaii football assistant coaches this year, head coach June Jones said.
"Unfortunately, it's not going to happen now," Jones said Monday. "But we are trying to work on some things for them (to eventually increase compensation)."
Jones declined to discuss specifics, other than it wouldn't be a football summer camp. Youth camps are often used by various college sports programs to generate additional income for coaches, while also creating scouting and public relations opportunities. But Jones said a camp here would be hard-pressed to make a profit.
The UH football assistants earn between $40,000 and $100,000 per year. Some also get a housing allowance.
The assistants have not received raises since Jones became head coach in 1999. They have, however, received bonuses for two bowl games.
Last month, Jones had a new contract approved by the UH Board of Regents for more than $4 million over the next five years, doubling his annual pay. Half of his $800,016 annual compensation (which does not include incentives) comes from private donations.
When agent Leigh Steinberg first began renegotiating Jones' contract in late 2001, one of Jones' requests was raises for the assistants.
Jones said one reason it is difficult to secure raises for his assistants is because professors and other staff at UH's upper campus can't get them.
Defensive line coach Vantz Singletary augments his income through internships with NFL teams. He is working with the San Diego Chargers this summer and will be paid a $3,500 stipend, plus expenses.
"I didn't think it was going to happen this year," Singletary said when told there is no raise. "Maybe next fiscal year. When you've been there this long and it hasn't happened you don't think about it too much. If you keep working eventually you get rewarded."
Offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh said he has priorities other than money.
"It would be nice, but I'm not going to worry about it. I've got other things to worry about, like a young line to coach and getting ready for (season-opening opponent) Appalachian State," he said.
Cavanaugh said he has an opportunity to make some extra money by helping to write a book. A company that does books on football fundamentals wants his expertise for a title called "Complete Line Play."
Receivers coach Ron Lee works nights at the Outrigger showroom. His brother, linebackers coach Cal Lee, is head coach of the Hawaiian Islanders arena football team. Defensive backs coach Rich Miano and strength and conditioning coach Mel deLaura make some side money with speed and quickness clinics.
The UH staff has undergone little turnover during Jones' tenure.
Wes Suan (offensive coordinator/running backs), Dan Morrison (quarterbacks), Cavanaugh, Ron Lee, George Lumpkin (defensive coordinator), Singletary, Miano and deLaura have been with him from the first season.
Cal Lee (linebackers) replaced Lumpkin, who moved up after Kevin Lempa left in February after three years as defensive coordinator. Lempa had replaced Greg McMackin.
Tyson Helton (special teams, offensive assistant) was promoted from graduate assistant after Dennis McKnight left following the 2000 season.
The assistants, except for Cal Lee, a new hire who started work July 1, have been working without a signed contract for several months. But that is merely because athletic director Herman Frazier wants all coaches on July-to-June contracts to match the fiscal year.
Jones has yet to sign his new contract, which is still being reviewed by Steinberg.
