McMackin accepts Hawaii job

Jan 16, 2008 - 7:20 PM HONOLULU (Ticker) -- Greg McMackin, who served as Hawaii's defensive coordinator in 1999 and 2007, has been tabbed as June Jones' successor as coach.

After being endorsed by Jones, McMackin was officially introduced during a news conference at the school on Wednesday.

His hiring comes during a period of upheaval for the Warriors, who have reeling since Jones abruptly resigned on January 5 after nine years at Hawaii to take the SMU job.

Athletic director Herman Frazier shouldered much of the blame and was fired just three days after Jones' departure.

"June Jones can never be replaced," McMackin said. "He has done so many great things for the program, the university and the state of Hawaii. His legacy will never be forgotten.

"My destiny is to keep the program headed in that same direction and to maintain the continuity with our current players and recruiting base."

Even with a 41-10 loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the Warriors completed the best season in school history at 12-1. Hawaii earned its initial BCS berth after capturing its first outright Western Athletic Conference title.

Jones left as the winningest coach in school history, posting 76 wins in his nine seasons. He guided the Warriors to six bowl games and two WAC championships.

Led by record-setting quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan, the Warriors paced the Football Bowl Subvision in scoring this past season, averaging 43.4 points per game.

But they also improved defensively under McMackin, climbing from 93rd nationally to 33rd in total defense.

"Greg meets our top priorities as a coach," Hawaii chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said. "He is a demonstrated leader who has significant coaching experience, the ability to produce successful student-athletes, a full appreciation of the special connection between UH athletes and the people of Hawaii, and the capacity to lead a smooth transition for current team members and coaches."

McMackin had previous experience as a defensive coordinator at Miami (1993-94) and the NFL's Seattle Seahawks (1995-98).

During his two seasons at Miami, the Hurricanes led the nation in total defense. In 1998, McMackin's Seahawks set an NFL record with 14 defensive touchdowns.

McMackin also served as the San Francisco 49ers' associate head coach from 2003-05. He was out of coaching in 2006.