Hawaii Football: Greg McMackin Leaves Program with 1 Year Remaining on Contract

Honolulu—Two days after a season-ending defeat to Brigham Young, University of Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin is stepping down from his position with one year remaining on a five-year contract that pays him an annual salary of $1.1 million.

"Hawaii has meant a lot to my family and me," McMackin said. "I appreciate Chancellor Hinshaw giving me the opportunity to be the head football coach at the University of Hawaii.

"I have decided to retire from my position at this time. I believe in my players and their potential for success. In their honor, I am foregoing $500,000 in the final year of my contract which I hope will help strengthen the UH football program. I want to thank my players, coaches, staff and the good people of Hawaii."

There had been criticism of Hawaii for giving McMackin a five-year contract without a buyout clause written into the deal in case the Warriors did not live up to expectations under his direction—as is currently the case.

McMackin's forfeiture of $500,000 serves the same purpose, allowing the program to go into another direction as it heads into the Mountain West Conference next season, leaving behind the less-competitive Western Athletic Conference.

"I know that Coach McMackin cares deeply for this team, his coaches and staff, the university and people of Hawaii," UH-Mānoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said. "I respect his decision to retire from this position at this time and understand that he continues to think about the best direction for his team now, as he always has. I am grateful for his many contributions and wish him and his family the very best in their future."

In McMackin's four years as head coach, Hawaii had a 29-25 record and made two bowl appearances.

Last season, he led the Warriors to just the fourth WAC championship in school history.

"I sincerely appreciate all the contributions that Coach McMackin has made to UH football for the past four years," UH Athletics Director Jim Donovan said.

"From last year's WAC Championship to the greatly improved APR (Academic Progress Rate) scores, Coach Mack has accomplished so much. He set the future for UH football. I wish Coach Mack, Heather and their whole family all the best as they head into this new chapter of their lives."