University of Hawaii athletic director David Matlin said firing someone is difficult, and he became “physically ill” ahead of Sunday’s meeting with football coach Norm Chow.

But Matlin said it was “in the best interest of the team and the (athletic) department” to dismiss Chow after a 58-7 loss to Air Force on Halloween. Chow was 10-36 in four years, including 2-7 overall and 0-5 in the Mountain West Conference this season.

“The human element of (firing someone), I personally get sick,” Matlin said.

Matlin had decided to make the move following Saturday’s nationally televised game in which the Rainbow Warriors allowed the most points in a home conference game in the program’s history.

“I woke up at 3 in the morning (on Sunday), kind of thinking, the next time I wake up I’ll head back down to Bishop Street to my old office (with the Hawaii Bowl),” Matlin said.

Matlin and Chow often met to discuss a wide range of topics.

“I respect Norm, and I like him,” Matlin said. “That makes it much harder. I think he’s done a lot of good things for our program.”

But Matlin said he reviewed “the body of work the last four years, and what transpired the last several weeks.”

The Warriors have incurred numerous injuries. Two weeks ago, there were 34 players on the injury report. They also played a difficult schedule, with road games against Ohio State, Wisconsin and Boise State during a four-week period. But three weeks ago, New Mexico rallied for a 28-27 victory, and two weeks ago, the Warriors squandered a 17-0 lead in a 30-20 loss to Nevada. On Saturday, Air Force controlled the ball for 45 minutes, and the Warriors’ offense was scoreless for the fourth time this season.

Matlin also considered the declining attendance and projected future ticket sales. “It’s a factor, (but) it’s not the only factor,” Matlin said.

On Sunday morning, Matlin and Chow met to discuss the parting.

“There’s not much joy in days like (Sunday),” Matlin said. “Terminating people is not what you want to do. It was an emotional day. It wasn’t easy for me. But I know it’s harder on the coaching staff (and) coach.”

Chow asked if he could address the players during a team meeting on Monday morning.

“I thought it was very appropriate,” Matlin said. “It’s his team. We honored that request.”

Only two players — fullback Justin Vele and slotback Ryan Pasoquen — are carryovers from Greg McMackin’s team.

Chow spoke for a few minutes, imploring the players to continue to work hard on the field and in the classroom.

Afterward, interim head coach Chris Naeole requested the traditional gesture of appreciation.

The players then clapped three times — loudly — for Chow.