Hawaii taps former star quarterback Timmy Chang as head coach

HONOLULU — The University of Hawaii has hired former star quarterback Timmy Chang as its new head coach.

Athletics director David Matlin announced Chang’s hiring on Saturday in a release, saying Chang “made a name for himself throwing the football as a young quarterback and has continued his legacy in the collegiate coaching ranks over the past decade.

“The time has come for him to take over the program that developed him into the coach, father, husband and leader he is today.”

Just last month, Chang was hired by Colorado State to be its wide receivers coach. Previously, he spent five years at Nevada under Jay Norvell — who is now Colorado State’s head coach — as a tight end and wide receivers coach, and also had coaching stints at Emory and Henry and Jackson State.

Chang, who is from Honolulu, set the NCAA’s all-time passing (17,072) and total offense (16,910) records when he played for Hawaii from 2000 to 2004. He was also a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award in his last season with Hawaii. Chang also played in the Canadian Football League and NFL Europe.

“In my heart, I’ve never left. Like I’ve always done, I’m ready to give my all for Hawai’i. The highest privilege in coaching is the right to represent an institution as a head coach. This is beyond indescribable,” he said. “I get to do it here in Hawai’i, where I am from. I am so proud to represent MY school and state. I’m honored to lead the BRADDAHHOOD.”

Chang will be formally introduced next week. No details about his contract were made available on Saturday night.

Earlier this week, former Hawaii football coach June Jones declined a proposal to return to lead the program for a second time. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported that Jones bristled at a two-year contract and the fact Matlin would have to approve the assistant coaches.

Jones took to social media to voice his displeasure with the terms.

“I am still interested in this job for the people of Hawaii, but the job offered me today, there is no way I could accept with the conditions offered me,” the 68-year-old tweeted. “No coach in their right mind would accept!”

Former Hawaii coach Todd Graham resigned more than a week ago amid controversy after completing the second-year of a five-year contract. He stepped down after former players and some parents testified before a state legislative hearing, criticizing the coach’s management style and relationships with players. More than a dozen players entered the transfer portal.

Graham gave up a $1,275,000 buyout by resigning. The Rainbow Warriors were 6-7 overall this season, including 4-7 in the Mountain West after going 5-4 overall and 4-4 in the conference the year before.