HONOLULU – The University of Hawaii has hired former star quarterback Timmy Chang as its new head coach.
Athletics director David Matlin announced Chang’s hiring Saturday in a statement, saying Chang “made a name for himself throwing the ball as a young quarterback and has continued his legacy in the college coaching ranks during the last decade.
“The time has come for him to take over the program that made him the coach, father, husband and leader he is today.”
Last month, Chang was hired by Colorado State to be their wide receivers coach. Previously, he spent five years in Nevada with Jay Norvell, who is now the head coach at Colorado State, coaching tight end and wide receivers, and also had coaching stints at Emory and Henry and Jackson State.
Chang, who is from Honolulu, set the all-time NCAA passing records (17,072) and total offense (16,910) when he played for Hawaii from 2000 to 2004. He was also a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award in his final season with Hawaii. . . Chang also played in the Canadian Football League and NFL Europe.
Chang said in a statement: “I’m back. I’m home.”
“In my heart, I have never left. As I always have, I am ready to give it my all for Hawaii. The greatest privilege in coaching is the right to represent an institution as a head coach. This is beyond indescribable,” he said. “I can do it here in Hawai’i, where I’m from. I am so proud to represent MY school and state. I am honored to lead BRADDAHHOOD.”
Chang will be formally introduced next week. No details about his contract were released Saturday night.
Earlier this week, former Hawaii soccer coach June Jones turned down a proposal to return to direct the show for a second time. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Jones was angry about a two-year contract and the fact that Matlin would have to approve assistant coaches.
Jones took to social media to express his discontent with the terms.
“I’m still interested in this job for the people of Hawaii, but the job they offered me today, there’s no way I can take it on the terms they’re offering me,” the 68-year-old tweeted. “No trainer in their right mind would accept!”
Former Hawaii coach Todd Graham resigned more than a week ago amid controversy after completing the second year of a five-year deal. He resigned after former players and some parents testified before a state legislative hearing, criticizing the coach’s management style and relationships with players. More than a dozen players entered the transfer portal.
Graham gave up a $1,275,000 purchase by resigning. The Rainbow Warriors went 6-7 overall this season, including 4-7 in the Mountain West after going 5-4 overall and 4-4 in the conference the year before.
nypost.com
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism