EL PASO, TEXAS » This football season, Lewis Powell was known as "the guy with the beard."

Powell, who has not shaved in a year, promises a clean start when he begins his new job as the Hawaii football team’s defensive line coach on Monday.

"You have to look professional," Powell said.

Powell and Philip Rauscher — both administrative assistant coaches for Utah this season — will be part of head coach Norm Chow’s first UH coaching staff. While Chow, who is coaching Utah’s offense in today’s Sun Bowl, will remain on the mainland for another week, Powell and Rauscher will be headed to Hawaii.

"I’m excited to go over there and get going," Rauscher said. "It’s a great opportunity for Coach Chow, and I want to be there to help him out, and get everything done for him."

Powell was a Utah player and graduate assistant before moving into his current position.

"I’m leaving a good job in Utah, and hopefully I’ll do a good job over there in Hawaii," Powell said.

Powell was born at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children, and lived in Hawaii, Tonga and the Bay Area. He played one season of junior varsity football for McKinley High.

Powell said he relishes a chance to recruit.

As an administrative assistant this year, he had to raise money for living expenses.

"It’s all right," Powell said. "I’m a single man. I don’t need much. I’m just excited for the chance to work in Hawaii."

Rauscher is expected to coach the tight ends, a position that was not part of the Warriors offense the past 13 seasons. Chow will implement a pro-set offense that often will feature a tight end and fullback.

"Tight end is such an important position to our offense," Rauscher said. "We have to get the right type of kid in there. If he’s on the roster already, we’ll fit him in there. If not, we’ll recruit, and get that position going."

Rauscher, who was raised in San Diego, played on both the offensive and defensive lines at UCLA. After that, he was a student assistant and then graduate assistant at UCLA. He also served as offensive coordinator at Dixie State before returning to UCLA to work under Chow.

Rauscher praised Chow as "a great guy to work for. He cares about the kids. He’s excited. I’ve been working with one of the best guys I’ve ever met."

Rauscher said he is enthusiastic about recruiting.

"You have to sell yourself, and you have to sell the program," Rauscher said.

"We’ll go get the best kids, and go from there."