Southern Methodist’s Tom Mason and Idaho State’s Don Bailey have emerged as the leading candidates to become the University of Hawaii football team’s next defensive and offensive coordinators.
Mason, who served as Southern Methodist’s interim head coach last season, is in negotiations to succeed defensive coordinator Kevin Clune, who resigned last month to accept a similar position at Utah State.
But there are obstacles before Mason can join the Rainbow Warriors. Mason, who was not retained after the 2014 season, is under contract with SMU through April. Mason must resolve contractual obligations with SMU and UH before advancing in the hiring process.
Tim Davis, a line coach who has worked under noted head coaches Nick Saban and Pete Carroll, recommended Mason to UH head coach Norm Chow. Two other employers — former Fresno State head coach Pat Hill and former UH and SMU head coach June Jones — also endorsed Mason as a defensive coordinator.
"He’s a very good coach," Jones told the Star-Advertiser.
Mason runs a 3-4 defensive scheme similar to the one Clune runs. In 2012, the Mustangs had two shutouts.
"At SMU, he took our team from 118th (in total defense) when we first got there (in 2008) to the top 40," Jones said.
Bailey is awaiting the human resources department’s approval, which includes an extensive background check, to join the Warriors’ staff. Confirmation might come as early as Tuesday.
In addition to Clune, secondary coach Daronte’ Jones accepted a coaching job at Wisconsin, and special teams coordinator Chris Demarest was not retained. UH hopes to fill one of the vacancies with a combination coach for defensive backs and special teams. The remaining vacancy would be used for an offensive coordinator. UH has not had an offensive coordinator since Aaron Price was fired just prior to 2013 training camp. Quarterbacks coach Jordan Wynn was the play-caller last year.
Football Scoop named Bailey the FCS coordinator of the year following the 2014 season.
This past season, Idaho State was second in the FCS in total offense (562 yards per game), sixth in scoring (40.3 points) and first in passing (348.1 yards).
The Vandals ran a spread offense that involves schemes similar to the Warriors’ attack. If hired, Bailey would try to maintain the Warriors’ quick pace on offense.
