Nick Rolovich wanted to promote unity for his first spring training as University of Hawaii football coach.

Entering today’s final spring practice — a 5 p.m. “spring fling” at UH’s Ching field — it is the coaching staff that has bonded.

“It’s very diverse, but we work well together,” defensive coordinator Kevin Lempa said. “That comes from the top down. When the head coach is able to work with everyone, then everyone can work together.”

Rolovich said: “It starts with who they are as people. There are no self-promoters.”

Rolovich, running backs coach Brian Smith and quarterbacks coach Craig Stutzmann were teammates on UH’s offense in 2000 and 2001. Lempa was the defensive coordinator back then, and secondary coach Abraham Elimimian was a starting cornerback.

“This was about putting together a staff that really cared about the kids,” said Rolovich, who was hired in December. “I knew with Lemp, we didn’t have the coach-coach relationship (in the early 2000s) but there was no doubt he loved his players. That’s what these guys needed.”

Rolovich retained Elimimian and offensive line coach Chris Naeole from last year’s staff. “Abe was one of the most competitive players I coached,” Lempa said. “In practice, he didn’t want anybody to catch one ball. That’s how he played in the games. That’s the kind of person you want leading your defensive backs.”

Lempa, who was at Boston College previously, recommended Sean Duggan, a former BC player and graduate assistant, to coach UH’s linebackers. “Personality wise and character wise, he fits in with everybody else,” Lempa said.

Rolovich praised Naeole, who was UH’s interim head coach the final four games of 2015. “He’s strong, not only personality, but strong presence,” Rolovich said. “I like that with the O-line. They’ll have a different kind of love. We want those guys to be feared on the field. Those guys set the tone.”

Rolovich said defensive line coach Legi Suiaunoa, receivers coach Kefense Hynson and special teams coordinator Mayur Chaudhari are “invested in the program. … I mean, Legi, you talk about moving a family of six (kids) to Hawaii? That’s a commitment.”

Stutzmann, who coordinates the passing game, said each coach is free to offer suggestions. Debates are encouraged. If “you have a bunch of ‘yes’ men, you’re never going to get better,” Stutzmann said.

Rolovich said: “We’re demanding, but we’re not demanding in a way they don’t feel like they can’t speak their mind. We’ve got good communication.”