The University of Hawaii football reunion continues in Dallas, as record-setting former quarterback Tim Chang is joining Southern Methodist as a graduate-assistant coach.
Chang will report to the Mustangs and his former head coach June Jones in late July, Chang said in a phone interview with the Star-Advertiser late Friday.
He will also be joining some of his other former Warriors coaches, including his position coach, Dan Morrison.
“Last year when I got my bachelor’s degree I let Coach Morrison know that I’d be interested if something became available there,” Chang said. “I got a message from him last week and talked with him and Coach Jones.”
Other former UH players and coaches to serve on Jones’ staff at SMU since he left Hawaii in 2008 are Dennis McKnight, Jeff Reinebold, Wes Suan, Adrian Klemm, Abraham Elimimian and Mike Brewster.
Chang said he’s excited about the opportunity, but also has some mixed feelings because he was set to be the offensive coordinator at Mililani High this season, and had already begun working with the Trojans.
“I feel bad about that, but Coach York (Mililani head coach Rod) has things well in hand,” Chang said. “I’m grateful for the time I did get to spend working with Mililani.”
Chang, 30, was a star at Saint Louis School before starting at UH from 2000 through 2004. He set NCAA career records for passing yards, total offense and interceptions. Case Keenum of Houston broke his yardage records last season.
Chang went undrafted. He had preseason tryouts with the Lions, Eagles and Cardinals.
He played with Rhein Fire of the European League and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL before retiring from professional football in 2009.
Chang said he will continue his local youth clinics for quarterbacks, receivers and running backs until he leaves for Dallas.