Who’s the right guy for UH?

Twenty-four hours after the initial job posting for a new football coach, University of Hawaii athletic director David Matlin said Monday, “I’m pretty optimistic we’ll have a good pool of applicants.”

Matlin declined to say how many candidates had applied on the school’s website following the Sunday posting in the wake of the firing of Norm Chow.

“I do not think we are going to lack for applicants,” Matlin said.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has been told by candidates and others in the coaching fraternity that several Football Bowl Subdivision coordinators have applied or are expected to apply.

In addition, some sitting head coaches at other levels have expressed interest in the position.

UH requires the job to be posted for five days before the selection process begins.

Matlin said UH plans a “rolling posting” because some coaches may not be available until their teams complete the regular season. The initial closing date is Thursday.

The regular season ends Nov. 28, with conference championships the following week.

In the posting for the position, UH said a minimum qualification for the job is five years’ experience coaching football at the college or university level. Under “desirable qualifications,” UH said it seeks someone with “successful Division I football coaching experience.”

Asked about ideal candidates, Matlin said the preference would be people with an affinity “for Hawaii and who we are. It does not mean they have to be from here.” But he stressed that the candidates will “have to work harder than anyone else. We’re not going to keep up without working harder.”

The listed salary range, as set by the Board of Regents last year, is $392,142 to $935,544, though it may be raised upon approval of the board.

People familiar with the process have said they expect the school to pay less than the $550,000 Chow received annually.

Matlin said he has not talked to any avowed candidates directly since Chow’s termination was announced, but said that “a lot of people have given me their opinions on what they think.”

Rich Miano, a former UH safety and associate head coach, and Al “Buzzy” Preston, a former UH player who coaches receivers at Georgia Tech, have indicated they will apply this week.

Tony Tuioti, a former UH defensive tackle and coach who now is a defensive assistant for the Cleveland Browns, also is expected to apply early.

Three former UH quarterbacks — June Jones, who was UH’s head coach for nine seasons; Nevada offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich; and Navy offensive coordinator Ivin Jasper — are projected candidates.

Matlin said he will not hire a search firm or committee.

“If people want to apply for the job and they’re interested, they need to fill out our applications,” Matlin said.

Matlin said he hopes to complete interviews and hire a candidate between the middle of December and the end of the year.

“It’s more important to get the right person than someone 10 days earlier,” Matlin said.