Chris Naeole, who was an offensive lineman in the National Football League for 11 seasons, is joining the University of Hawaii football staff as an assistant coach.
"He brings a lot of great qualities," UH coach Norm Chow said.
Chow said Naeole will be part of the "adjustment to the coaching staff on the offensive side of the ball." Chow said he will announce the assignments later this month.
A staff vacancy was created when Tommy Lee retired as the Warriors’ offensive coordinator in December.
It was decided to add Naeole to the staff after an intensive coaching search.
"A lot of people would kill to have the chance to work with Norm Chow," Naeole said. "He’s one of the great football minds. He knows football. I’m thankful for the opportunity."
Naeole had successful careers at Kahuku High and the University of Colorado. He earned All-America recognition at both schools.
The New Orleans Saints selected Naeole in the first round of the 1997 draft.
He played for the Saints through the 2001 season, then another six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Until suffering a torn quadriceps in the middle of the 2007 season, Naeole had missed only one NFL game because of an injury. He started 150 of 154 games until that injury.
Naeole was released in March 2008, then re-signed with the Jaguars that September. He announced his retirement in 2008.
Soon after, he became a coach.
"I coached my son’s Pop Warner team," he said.
In 2010, he joined ‘Iolani School’s coaching staff.
"I didn’t know I was going to get into coaching," Naeole said. "All of a sudden, I was coaching the kids and I really got into it. I really love coaching."
A mentor’s role might be genetic. His mother is an assistant principal.
Chow said Naeole "brings mental toughness, teaching skills and all of the things he learned from the NFL."
Chow said Naeole is highly regarded in the football community. Naeole is expected to be instrumental in recruiting.
"He’s well-respected," Chow said. "No question about it. He brings a lot."
This past summer, Naeole served internships with the Jaguars and Green Bay Packers.
After working in youth and high school football, Naeole said, he embraces the challenge of coaching collegiately.
"It’s another level up," Naeole said. "These kids have a lot on their plates — academically, off the field and, of course, football."
Naeole added: "It’s not quite the NFL, where you have that many hours with the guys. But you get to shape and mold a lot of these guys."
Naeole was among 15 applicants who met the minimum and desired requirements for the job.
"(Naeole) clearly fit our needs for the position," Chow said. "He fit them perfectly."
