EL PASO, TEXAS » Hawaii head coach Norm Chow has filled a key position on his football staff.

“I’m going to be the recruiting coordinator for Hawaii,” said Chow, who is in El Paso to coach Utah’s offense in Saturday’s Sun Bowl.

After the game, he will begin the process of formatting the Warriors to his vision.

He already has notified four members of the 2011 UH coaching staff — Rich Miano, Dave Aranda, Gordy Shaw and Brian Smith — that they will not be retained after their contracts expire on March 31, 2012.

Next week, he will have telephone interviews with the remaining 2011 UH coaches, while also trying to assemble a coaching staff. He will meet with the players Jan. 10. The Warriors will begin hosting recruits Jan. 13.

Chow said coaches under contract still should be recruiting.

“They still have a job,” Chow said. “They still have a paycheck.”

The NCAA dead period, during which in-person recruiting is not allowed, runs through Tuesday. After that, there is a short limited-contact phase before another dead period begins.

Chow said the emphasis will be to recruit locally.

“It’s hard to keep Hawaii kids at home, but we’re going to try,” Chow said.

Through the years, Chow has been effective in convincing Hawaii-raised prospects to sign with mainland schools.

Utah defensive coordinator Kalani Sitake, who now will compete against Chow in recruiting, mused: “I wish I got him on recording telling (a Hawaii recruit): ‘Leave.’ “

Sitake added: “He’ll do well over there. He’ll do some good things. People will be excited about him being a head coach.”

Chow is a Punahou School graduate who played football at Utah. While he was enthused about going away, he recalled some of the postgame emptiness.

“When I played for Utah, we walked back (after games),” Chow said, referring to the Hawaii-raised players. “It was just us. The rest of the players walked out and sat with their loved ones. Hawaii kids who go to the mainland don’t get that. The greatest gift a young man can give to his parents is seeing how proud they are to see their son play for the University of Hawaii. When they go out (after the game), I want them to see the big barbecues and the shirts that say, ‘I am John’s mother.’ ” To me, that’s a payback to everything. I want them to have that experience.”

Chow said Hawaii players can experience independence in Manoa.

“You still have to wash your clothes,” Chow said of dorm life at UH. “You still have to make your bed. You have to keep your room clean. All of that stuff. Mom can’t help you.”

Chow said offensive linemen top the recruiting wish list. Ohio State quarterback Taylor Graham is expected to transfer to UH, but he won’t be eligible to play for the Warriors until 2013.

Chow recruited Graham when he was UCLA’s offensive coordinator.

UH has drawn interest from two highly regarded quarterbacks.

Chow said he plans to recruit two tight ends. He also has spread the recruiting net from the East Coast to American Samoa.

“Can we do it this late?” said Chow, referring to the Feb. 1 signing date. “I don’t know. But we’ll try.”

Notes

» Practices probably will be closed to the public.

» There has been no decision yet on the practice times. The past 13 years, the Warriors were one of the few teams to practice in the morning. Chow will decide after reviewing class schedules.