Support grows for UH’s McMackin

A Hawaii assistant coach who had been considering applying for the vacant head coaching job has instead thrown his support behind defensive coordinator Greg McMackin.

Winner, winner Greg McMackin's last stint as a head coach was at Oregon Tech from 1986 to 1989. How he fared: » Winning seasons all four years » Program set 48 school records and 18 national marks » Ranked No. 3 in the nation in its division » Coach of the year twice Source: UH athletics

Defensive line coach Jeff Reinebold said he initially had thoughts of entering the pool of candidates to replace June Jones as head of the Warrior program. Although being a head coach remains on his long-term wish list, he endorsed McMackin for the job.

"I just feel like that's the best thing for everyone concerned," Reinebold said yesterday. "We don't need any kind of divisiveness. ... This is time to heal and a time for kokua.

"Greg would be the best choice and I think it's important that we all get behind him."

Other members of the staff have also expressed support for McMackin.

Jones accepted the head coaching job at Southern Methodist University on Monday and the UH position opening was officially posted on Tuesday. As of yesterday afternoon, more than 30 applications had been submitted. The application period runs through Jan. 15.

Reinebold initially envisioned being among those applicants when it appeared McMackin would accompany Jones to Dallas, but changed his mind when McMackin arose as a potential candidate. That leaves him and several other assistants in a holding pattern while the process plays out.

"It's a pretty unsettling time," Reinebold said.

Whoever the new coach is, he'll have to replace the entire starting receiver corps.

Junior slot receiver Ryan Grice-Mullins announced his decision to enter his name in the NFL Draft yesterday. Grice-Mullins led the Warriors in receiving yards with 1,372 and was second in receptions behind Davone Bess with 106 this season.

Bess, also a junior, entered the draft last week. Starting outside receivers Jason Rivers and C.J. Hawthorne completed their eligibility this season.