Warriors’ Jones voices
support for Lumpkin
Hawaii's defensive coordinator
has been the target of public
criticism in recent weeks
Those who want George Lumpkin out now as Hawaii football defensive coordinator aren't going to get their wish.
George Lumpkin: The defensive coordinator says he doesn't let the criticism bother him
Jones, at his weekly news conference, was asked if there would be any reassigning of duties or other changes on his coaching staff in the near future -- and specifically about Lumpkin, after UH allowed the Bulldogs to rush for 503 yards.
He answered that there would not be, and, "I'm not upset with any part of that."
Lumpkin has been the target of public criticism after losses before, but Internet postings and radio-show call-ins seeking his departure have peaked the past few days. He said it doesn't bother him.
"I don't listen to the radio, even when we win," he said. "Everyone's entitled to their opinion."
As for on-field changes to the starting lineup on defense: "We've played everyone who can walk and chew gum. If they want to come out, we'll play them," said Jones, of the injury-depleted unit that ranks last among 117 Division I-A teams in stopping the run and 115th overall. "There's no one to re-shuffle."
Hawaii (4-5) plays Idaho (3-8) in a nonconference game Saturday at Aloha Stadium. UH must beat the Vandals, Northwestern and Michigan State to qualify for the Dec. 24 Hawaii Bowl.
Lumpkin echoed Jones about the lack of options on defense.
"We don't have very many players to make personnel changes with," he said.
Still, someone -- probably Turmarian Moreland -- will have to replace starting cornerback Abraham Elimimian. Jones said yesterday Elimimian won't play Saturday because of a lingering hamstring strain that limited his playing time at Fresno and in earlier games.
"I would say we would be without some of the same guys (as last week), including Abraham," Jones said.
Jones said Elimimian being out has nothing to do with him criticizing teammates (not by name) publicly after Friday's loss. Defensive tackle Lui Fuga (like Elimimian, a co-captain) was also critical of unnamed players, as well as UH coaching. Both said some teammates had lost focus and given up.
Jones did address the issue of criticism from within.
"The people who said that need to examine themselves," he said. "I'm proud of my guys. They played hard."
Although he said, "It did look like at times we were in slow motion."
Lumpkin also denied lack of effort.
"I don't think our guys gave up. If you look at the game tape you won't see them not hustling to the ball. I don't think guys were giving up. The biggest culprit is guys didn't tackle well."
With that in mind, Lumpkin said he will adjust the Warriors defensive practice routine.
"Maybe we need to change our approach," Lumpkin said. "I'm going to talk to the coaches about focusing more on open-field tackles in practice."
That drill will not include full-speed, actual tackling, though, Jones and Lumpkin said. UH runs pro-style practices with no tackling and rarely scrimmages. It's a routine that limits injuries in practice but does not simulate real-game contact.
Lumpkin said the Warriors can improve their tackling technique without tackling in practice.
"I don't think that's the problem," he said, when asked if more contact would be added. "They need to focus on the waist and tackle with their legs. They're leaving their feet and need to tackle lower."
Jones said the Warriors do have problems with their defensive schemes.
"We're trying to be simple on defense, and we realize we can't be simple. We couldn't stop some things, scheme-wise," he said.
Lumpkin said Fresno State did what UH coaches expected: attack straight on.
"Not a thing (unexpected). They line up and say, 'We're going to run right here. If you're tough enough, stop us,' " Lumpkin said.
UH started two true freshman outside linebackers, Brad Kalilimoku and C.J. Allen-Jones.
"I think they're getting better, but young guys make mistakes," Lumpkin said.
Lumpkin is a former UH defensive back and has been a Hawaii assistant coach for nearly 30 years (he was fired along with the rest of Bob Wagner's staff in 1995 and returned with Jones in 1999).
In addition to defensive coordinator, he holds the titles of associate head coach and recruiting coordinator. Defensive backs coach Rich Miano assists him with putting together the weekly defensive game plan.
Lumpkin has been defensive coordinator since last season, and was previously DC for a season under Wagner.
"Nobody enjoys losing, no matter what (the score) is. But it helps you grow, and I hope I'm growing," he said yesterday.
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