McMackin retires as Hawaii coach; accepts $600,000 buyout
Greg McMackin enters a press conference today at the University of Hawaii at Manoa Athletic Complex. The football head coach announced his retirement from the UH football program after four seasons.
Hawaii associate football coach Rich Miano, middle, listens during a press conference today. Miano is to be interim coach.
University of Hawaii coach Greg McMackin retired today, ending a four-year career at the helm of the Warriors football program.
McMackin had one season left on a five-year deal worth $1.1 million annually. As part of the agreement, McMackin accepted a buyout for $600,000. The university will begin a national search for McMackin’s replacement immediately. UH assistant coach Rich Miano will serve as interim head coach.
A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon after McMackin meets with his coaches and players. He met for more than an hour Sunday night with UH-Manoa chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and athletic director Jim Donovan just after the team’s annual awards banquet at the Sheraton Waikiki. None of the three would comment after the impromptu session broke up.
In his four years as head coach, McMackin had a 29-25 record, taking Hawaii to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl twice, losing both to Notre Dame and Tulsa. The Warriors needed a victory Saturday against Brigham Young to be eligible for the Christmas Eve bowl, but lost to the Cougars 41-20.
McMackin also served two years as former UH head coach June Jones’ defensive coordinator. The first time in 1999, Hawaii went to the Oahu Bowl. The second time in 2007, the Warriors went to the Sugar Bowl.
All nine assistant coaches are on one-year contracts that expire March 31.
