Before University of Hawaii head football coach Nick Rolovich formed the question, Craig Stutzmann had excitedly signed on to become the Rainbow Warriors’ passing game coordinator Friday.
“I don’t think he got all the words out of his mouth asking me if I wanted the job before I said, ‘Yes!’ ” Stutzmann said.
Stutzmann, a former record-setting slotback for the ‘Bows, replaces Zak Hill, whose resignation as offensive coordinator was announced Wednesday.
Hill left UH for Boise State after a 48-day stay.
Beyond coordinating the passing game — Brian Smith will coordinate the running game, UH said — Stutzmann said some of his role remains to be defined.
“Coach Rolo still has a couple scenarios he’s looking at,” Stutzmann said. “I’m so glad to be back (at UH), I probably would have said ‘OK’ to anything. Words can’t express the gratitude and excitement my family and I have for the opportunity Rolo has given us.”
Stutzmann (1998-2001) and Rolovich teamed up as a passing combination in 2000-01, including four touchdown passes in ‘01. His brother, Billy Ray (2010-13), also played for UH.
In 2000 Stutzmann tied Walter Murray for the then-UH record for receptions in a game (12). He left UH fifth on the all-time list for receiving yards (2,025)
Stutzmann, a Saint Louis School graduate, coached at his alma mater, where Marcus Mariota credits him with reinforcing several important lessons. Stutzmann was a graduate assistant at UH before going on to be an assistant coach at Weber State, Portland State and, most recently, Emory & Henry College in Emory, Va., where he was offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach the past two seasons.
“Another Warrior returns to the ‘Aina, a man who has succeeded as a student-athlete and person in this program,” Rolovich said in a statement. “Since leaving our shores in 2009, he has acquired a wealth of knowledge in various offensive schemes and has paid his dues in the coaching world.”
Stutzmann said, “Coming home to UH is a humbling experience for me. I grew up there as a young kid watching football practices and baseball games, following Jeff Sydner, John Veneri, Billy Blanchette and John Matias. I learned to fish in the pond (in the quarry).”
Stutzmann said he expects to report to UH next week.
“I’m still in shock right now,” he said.
