Dick Tomey, who shepherded the University of Hawaii football program in its Division I infancy, is returning to the Warriors as the special teams coordinator. 

Tomey, 72, who was UH’s head coach for 10 seasons through the 1986 season, did not return messages left on his cell phone today.

But multiple sources said Tomey will be introduced as a UH assistant coach at a news conference Thursday. 

Tomey will fill the vacancy created when Chris Tormey, who coached the Warriors’ safeties and special teams the past two seasons, resigned three weeks ago to accept a coaching position at Washington State. It is believed that, for now, Tomey only will be in charge of special teams. The Warriors open spring training March 9.