DENNIS ODA / DODA@STARBULLETIN.COM Mike Cavanaugh and June Jones held a press conference yesterday to announce Cavanaugh's departure for Oregon State.

NFL experience sought
in Cav’s successor

Jones says he’s "not really in a rush"
to name a replacement for the
offensive line coach

Hawaii football coach June Jones said yesterday "there is no timetable" for hiring a replacement for offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh, who is leaving the Warriors for the same position at Oregon State.

"We will get another guy with NFL experience most likely," Jones said at a news conference yesterday announcing Cavanaugh's departure after six seasons at UH.

Spring practice starts at the end of this month, but Jones has a history of not filling job openings right away. In 2003, the Warriors practiced in the spring without a defensive coordinator after Kevin Lempa resigned. Last year, UH went through the drills without a special teams coordinator (the Warriors don't do much kicking game practice in the spring, anyway).

"I'm not really in a rush," said Jones, who declined to name any candidates. "A couple of them have some obligations. We don't do that much in the spring.

"We just want to do the right thing."

The name of Dennis McKnight, the former UH special teams coordinator (1999-2000), surfaced as an early candidate. Jones courted McKnight for a possible return to Manoa for his old position when Tyson Helton left last year, but McKnight declined.

The former NFL center and guard has experience coaching offensive linemen. But he falls under the "some obligations" category: McKnight was recently hired as an assistant coach at San Diego State.

He was unavailable for comment last night.

Another possibility -- especially as an interim choice -- is running backs coach Wes Suan. Suan has coached offensive linemen in the past, and worked closely with Cavanaugh on blocking schemes and in practice drills. Suan could conceivably coach the linemen and running backs, at least temporarily.

"I may let the kids coach themselves this spring," Jones said.

While UH held a news conference to announce Cavanaugh leaving, Oregon State was quiet. Coach Mike Riley will not comment until Cavanaugh's hiring is approved by an OSU affirmative action committee, which is likely to happen next week.

At least two of Cavanaugh's new players are from Hawaii. Second-year freshmen Jeremy Perry (guard from Kahuku High School) and Tavita Thompson (tackle from Saint Louis School) are expected to contend for starting spots in 2005.

UH was involved in a protracted recruiting battle with Oregon State and Arizona for Perry in 2004.

Incoming freshman Kainoa LaCount (Kailua) will also be under Cavanaugh's jurisdiction, pending acceptance into school. Cavanaugh coached his brother, Kahai LaCount, at UH until he moved to defensive line last year.

Cavanaugh said his recruiting duties will not include Hawaii; defensive coordinator Mark Banker will continue in that role for the Beavers, Cavanaugh said.

Cavanaugh would not disclose what his salary at Oregon State will be, but it is expected to exceed the $150,000 annual package UH was putting together for him as a raise from the $100,000 he earned last year.

Jones complained that UH can't match what Oregon State is offering financially.

"We can't come up with the money. The bottom line is it's a more lucrative situation," Jones said.

But Cavanaugh said he is not moving for money reasons.

"It's been six great years. I have an opportunity to go to Oregon State and professionally to grow a little more. Obviously leaving here is a tough thing. There are resources on the mainland; I can get in a car and drive to (other) college games, NFL games," said Cavanaugh, who interviewed for a job with the Cleveland Browns that was filled Tuesday. "It's been my goal to (coach in) the NFL, but I'd like to make it clear that I wasn't out there looking. People knocked on my door."

Cavanaugh and his wife, Laurie, have spoken often of their love for Hawaii. They haven't decided if their oldest of two sons, Shane, will remain in Hawaii for his senior year at Saint Louis School.

Cavanaugh, who has had five players under his watch drafted by the NFL, leaves UH with the starting offensive line almost intact, along with several seasoned backups. That didn't make it easier for the emotional 42-year-old coach to bid his players farewell.

"The toughest part I had was this morning talking to my players, to go in and tell those guys," Cavanaugh said. "They're special guys."

Senior right tackle Brandon Eaton said he was not surprised to hear Cavanaugh is leaving.

"I kind of expected it, but I'm not sure how it's going to work out. I guess it's best for him and his family, so I'm happy for them," Eaton said. "If we have to coach ourselves in the spring, we'll just do what Cav taught us.

"It's most likely we'll never have anyone like him again, with the personality that he brought to the table. I will miss him personally."

Senior Uriah Moenoa also believes the popular coach will be missed.

"He's a great coach with a lot of aspirations and he did a lot of great things at UH," Moenoa said. "I wish him well."

Jones knows he has a huge hole to fill, but he also wished Cavanaugh well.

"This is really positive for Mike Cavanaugh. The opportunity's too good to pass up. We're sad to see him go but happy for him," Jones said.