University of Hawai'i at Manoa Athletics

Robert Bley-Vroman, Chancellor, University of Hawai‘i at Manoa
“I’m enthusiastic about Nick Rolovich’s return to Hawai‘i. He not only has what it takes to build a football program that we can be excited about, but he also knows from personal experience the challenges of combining a rigorous academic program with the demands of athletics. He’s great for the fans, and he’ll be great for our student-athletes, too.”
 
David Matlin, Athletics Director, University of Hawai‘i
“I’m pleased to welcome back Nick Rolovich to the UH ‘ohana. Nick is a Warrior at heart and someone I know our fans will support. He understands what it means to be a Warrior having played and coached here and what affect a winning program has with this community. I have no doubt we picked the right man for this job. The future is bright for Hawai‘i football.”
 
Brian Polian, Head Coach, University of Nevada
“We were thrilled to learn that Nick Rolovich has been named head football coach at the University of Hawai‘i. This is a well-deserved opportunity for Nick and his wonderful family. We will miss him professionally, but even more so as a person. UH made a great decision.”
 
Clay Helton, Head Coach, University of Southern California
“The respect that Nick has in our profession is second to none. He is a brilliant offensive-minded person. He has a knack in recruiting and in building relationships with players. He will do a great job leading Hawai‘i.”
 
Bryant Moniz, Former University of Hawai‘i Quarterback, Current Calgary Stampeders (CFL) Quarterback
“Rolo is the right man for the job. He’s a players’ coach. The one guy who I’d lay my body on the line for every day and that’s what Hawai‘i needs. A coach who our athletes will die to play for. I’m excited for the future of HAWAI‘I WARRIOR FOOTBALL!"
 
Shane Austin, Former University of Hawai‘i Quarterback, Current Portland Thunder (AFL) Quarterback
“Rolo is the type of coach you look forward to working with each day because you know he always has something up his sleeve. Whether it’s a new wrinkle to the offense, a team bonding activity, or simply the joy and energy he brings to practice or meetings; he provides a great environment to succeed and have fun doing it! But most of all, he relates to the players in a different way because he was in our shoes not that long ago and knows what it takes to be successful. He was born for this new role as Head Coach and I'm confident he can take any team to that next level. One message he would always say that has stuck with me throughout my career is, 'Don't be afraid to be great!' The future is bright for Hawaii football!"
 
Greg Salas, Former University of Hawai‘i and NFL Receiver
“I think his young spirit that he brings sets him apart, he’s done what it takes to play at the highest level here with some of the numbers he’s put up. He just makes it fun for young players. He’s very relatable, he makes practice fun. He’s always upbeat he’s always in a good mood. He will make play calls that are in a funny name, he gives us all nicknames. Those are some of the fun things that he brings to the table. He’s very smart too, it can’t be understated how smart he is he knows how to attack a defense. He’s just a fun young guy and I’m super happy.”
 
Greg Alexander, Former University of Hawai‘i Quarterback
“UH is getting a guy who knows the program, knows the people and has great respect out there. Very smart football mind and great recruiter. Think it’s a great hire.”
 
Greg McMackin, Former University of Hawai‘i Head Coach
“I am very happy and excited for Rolo. (Athletics Director) Dave Matlin made a great choice. Rolo is the man who will bring pride back to the Warrior ‘Ohana. He has a God-given gift of relating to players and the community. He is a great recruiter and strategist. He has full knowledge of all phases of the game. Most importantly he cares about the State of Hawai‘i, the University and the football program. He has the heart of a Warrior.”
 
Chris Ault, Former University of Nevada Head Coach, College Football of Hall of Fame Inductee
“Rolo’s a good fit for Hawai‘i. He understands where the program was and where it is. In football, anytime you can link the past with the present it provides a defined and visible barometer of where you have to go.”
 
Cody Fajardo, Former University of Nevada Quarterback, Current Toronto Argonauts (CFL) Quarterback
“Hawai‘i is very lucky to get such an amazing coach. He is hands down my favorite coach that I have played for and I can’t thank him enough for helping me grow into an elite collegiate quarterback but more importantly as a man. I can’t wait to follow his success as a head coach for the University of Hawai‘i. He will be missed in the Silver and Blue.”
 
Dave Aranda, Former University of Hawai‘i Assistant Coach, Current University of Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator
“Rolo has a leadership quality that you can’t learn, he was born with it. Players love playing for him, coaches enjoy coaching with him. He is a great person first, and second an excellent football coach.”
 
George Rush, Former City College of San Francisco Head Coach
“As a player, Rolo had tremendous leadership skills. I remember when he was a freshman he broke his clavicle in the state championship against Palomar and he tried to throw with it. He wanted to play so badly, he is a terrific competitor who leads by example. As a player and young assistant, he prepared himself very well for this opportunity. How he handles himself is key to his successful. He’s bright, articulate, likeable, and is a players’ coach. I believe UH is in a transitional state and they need someone who identifies with the islands. He has roots with Hawai‘i through his wife’s family and he embraces the aloha culture. He personifies things you like in a head coach – enormous energy and talent – and I’m certain he’ll do a wonderful job there.”
 
Mouse Davis, Former University of Hawai‘i Assistant Coach, Former Portland State University Head Coach, Veteran Professional Football Coach
“Rolo is a great one, he gets along well with the players and coaches. Throwing the football at Hawai‘i is key to their success. His ability to throw the football and build an offense around, which so many teams are doing now, is important to the program. And he has good knowledge to do just that. He’s the right kind of guy and will bring with him a scheme that will allow him to succeed. I wish him well and hopefully he gets the program back on track.”