STAR-ADVERTISER / 2014
The Rainbows were 4-9 in 2014
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University of Hawaii football coach Norm Chow said he probably will wait until after the coming recruiting period before hiring a replacement for associate head coach Daronte’ Jones.
Recruits may sign letters of intent on Feb. 4.
Jones, who also coached UH’s defensive backs, accepted a similar job at Wisconsin. Jones will work under defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, a former member of Greg McMackin’s UH staff.
While expressing personal sadness, Chow said this is a good opportunity for Jones. At Wisconsin, Jones will earn $250,000, more than double what he earned annually at UH.
Chow also viewed it as a sign of respect that other programs sought UH coaches.
Jones was instrumental in recruiting two defensive backs who became starters as freshmen this past season — cornerback/nickelback Nick Nelson and safety Daniel Lewis.
As the lead assistant, Jones filled in during media functions when Chow was with his wife, who was recovering from a brain aneurysm.
Defensive line coach Lewis Powell and special teams coordinator Chris "Demo" Demarest are the only full-time assistants remaining from Chow’s initial coaching staff in 2012. Tommy Lee, who coached the receivers, retired after that season. Running backs coach Keith Uperesa became the academic coordinator. Chris Wiesehan coached offensive linemen and then running backs before joining Temple’s coaching staff last year. Tight ends coach Phil Rauscher is now an assistant coach at California Lutheran.
Defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer and linebackers coach Tony Tuioti were not retained after the 2013 season. Tuioti is now a quality-control coach with the Cleveland Browns. Kaumeyer is a consultant for a professional team in Japan.
Chow also confirmed that wideout Darian Josey has transferred to be closer to his family in Florida.