Defensive coordinator Kevin Clune is leaving the University of Hawaii football team for a similar position at Utah State, according to people familiar with the situation. 

Clune was the Aggies’ linebackers coach for five years before joining the Warriors as defensive coordinator in January 2014. 

At UH, Clune was paid $160,000 annually on what was essentially a two-year contract. There was a mutual option for a second year. 

Clune has agreed to a two-year contract worth $200,000 annually with Utah State, according to people familiar with the situation. 

UH coach Norm Chow and Clune did not respond to messages left on their cell phones on Saturday. 

Chow and Clune had not worked with each other previously before UH sought a replacement for Thom Kaumeyer, whose contract as defensive coordinator was not renewed after the 2013 season. That year, the Rainbow Warriors finished 115th nationally in total defense (494.7 yards per game) and 113th in points allowed (38.8).

Under Clune, who had play-calling autonomy, the Warriors allowed 418.2 yards (82nd) and 26.8 points per game (64th) this season. 

According to sources, Clune accepted the USU offer on Friday. He is replacing Todd Orlando, who left the Aggies to join the Houston staff. Clune notified Chow on Friday night, according to sources, and told his players on Saturday. 

The Warriors were prepared for Clune’s eventual departure. He was a candidate for the Washington State defensive coordinator’s job that went to Alex Grinch. 

The Warriors ran a 4-3 defense during Kaumeyer’s tenure. Last spring, Clune implemented a 3-4 base system.

Earlier in the week, Daronte’ Jones confirmed he was accepting an assistant coaching job at Wisconsin. Jones coached the Warriors’ defensive backs, with the added title of associate head coach the past year. Chow had said he probably would wait until after the Feb. 4 signing day for recruits before naming a successor to Jones.