As the fax machine whirs into action on National Letter of Intent day, we’re left to ponder if the University of Hawaii lost some recruiting battles because it competed the last few weeks short-handed.

UH did not have a full complement of coaches at a key time, down the stretch. Defensive coordinator Kevin Clune and defensive backs coach Daronte’ Jones left within a week of each other last month.

Clune wasn’t a key recruiter, but Jones was. And the fact that they left was surely used against UH by other schools going after the same prospects.

It’s not as bad as going an entire season short a full-time coach as UH did in 2013, but it’s certainly less than ideal.

The Rainbow Warriors are in a tough spot when it comes to leverage in finding quality assistants. It’s no secret that barring an unlikely winning record head coach Norm Chow is done after — if not during — the 2015 season. Not too many experienced, good-quality assistant coaches are willing to come here for what might very well be a one-year gig.

I know of one, though. And if you remember the UH glory years of 2006 and 2007 you know of him, too.

Jeff Reinebold is now the special teams coordinator for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL. We remember him as a coach with more than 20 years of experience who volunteered to be a graduate assistant here 10 years ago because he knew something special was brewing. He was right, and he was a key part of Hawaii going 23-4 in ’06 and ’07.

After the one year of basically being a mid-career intern, Reinebold became the defensive line coach. He was also a stellar recruiter, especially in bringing in JC players to put the Warriors over the top with defensive depth.

Most important, he gets it about what makes this place unique.

"The thing about Hawaii is you don’t represent just a school," Reinebold said. "You represent a people, a state and culture."

One of the first things he did was make sure his defensive linemen knew that, too. He had new players do reports on predecessors … guys like Levi Stanley, Ma’a Tanuvasa and the Noga brothers.

Mike Lafaele, the defensive line’s leader those years, was skeptical at first; Reinebold is not shy about being Hawaiian at heart.

"When I first met him, it was, ‘Who is this guy?’ He seemed weird at first. But he earned our respect. We know he really loves Hawaii," said Lafaele, who endorses him as a coach and recruiter. "Absolutely, without a doubt. I always thought he was a great coach. One thing I like about him is he found different ways to motivate everybody.

"He brought in guys like (Ryan) Mouton, Josh Leonard. Great eye for talent. Kids who were overlooked, some of them later played in the NFL. He brings a lot to the table."

Lafaele has served as a TV analyst for UH football. He wants another reason to visit the coaches’ offices. Another reason to believe in the program’s future.

"He’s a great human being with a great heart. He’s what they need right now," Lafaele said. "Bring him home."

Reach Dave Reardon at dreardon@staradvertiser.com or 529-4783. His blog is at hawaiiwarriorworld.com/quick-reads.