UH coaches have upgraded their teaching methods

When Greg McMackin was hired as the Hawaii football defensive coordinator in 1999, he brought a thick playbook separated with color tabs.

When he returned for his second stint as defensive coordinator in 2007, the playbook was on a flash drive the size of a pack of gum.

Now entering his fourth season as head coach — the first practice of training camp is Thursday — McMackin holds up an iPhone.

"This is my office," he said, smiling.

Last year’s 450-plus defensive playbook and the offseason condition program have been transformed into applications that can be accessed on smart phones, iPads and laptops.

That enabled recruits, using a code, to access plays and workout schedules while still residing on the mainland.

This past Monday, computer techs installed Smart Boards in the football meeting rooms. Think of them as large mounted touch screens.

"These young people have embraced technology," associate head coach Rich Miano said. "Give them a playbook with formations, it doesn’t mean anything to them. They have to see it on video. They have to see it on the big screen. They have to see it on their phones."

McMackin is admittedly an "old-school guy." He said he could introduce plays the way he was taught, on a chalkboard with Xs and Os, zigs and zags.

"I could do that," McMackin said, "but they won’t listen."

He added: "I believe coaches have to be teachers. To teach, you’ve got to say it however they understand it. If you draw something, and they don’t understand it, you have to say it another way. The way these guys learn is on video games. That’s this generation. Our generation wasn’t like that. What we want to do is keep up with the newest technology."

McMackin said the offensive players receive work sheets each week. But most of the Warriors’ four-wide offense is taught through video sessions or in practices.

"This is a video generation," Miano said.

McMackin said his coaches have embraced the trend. He said he uses his smart phone for much of his work.

"My grandkids set it up for me," McMackin said. "This is easy for young people."