Former record-setting quarterback Timmy Chang is the University of Hawai'i's new head football coach, Athletics Director David Matlin announced. He will be formally introduced as the 25th head coach in program history at a press conference next week. Details are still in the works.
Chang said: "I'm back. I'm home. In my heart, I've never left. Like I've always done, I'm ready to give my all for Hawai'i. The highest privilege in coaching is the right to represent an institution as a head coach. This is beyond indescribable. I get to do it here in Hawai'i, where I am from. I am so proud to represent MY school and state. I'm honored to lead the BRADDAHHOOD."
"I am excited to welcome back legendary quarterback Timmy Chang to Manoa," Matlin said. "Timmy made a name for himself throwing the football as a young quarterback and has continued his legacy in the collegiate coaching ranks over the past decade. The time has come for him to take over the program that developed him into the coach, father, husband and leader he is today."
Chang spent the last five seasons as the wide receiver and tight ends coach at Nevada, before recently following former Wolf Pack head coach Jay Norvell at Colorado State. During his five seasons at Nevada, Chang helped direct one of the most potent offensive attacks on the West Coast while the Wolf Pack earned a bowl bid in each of the last four seasons.
In 2021, Nevada placed three different pass catchers on the Fred Biletnikoff Award Watch List, including two-time All-Mountain West selections Romeo Doubs and Cole Turner. The receiving corps helped power a Wolf Pack passing game that finished fourth nationally.
Prior to his time at Nevada, Chang had two stints as an offensive coordinator. In 2016, he served as the offensive coordinator at Emory and Henry College in Virginia. During that season the Wasps averaged 33.0 points and 463.5 yards per game.
Previously, Chang spent two seasons at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., as his run-and-shoot offense had the Tigers humming as well. Jackson State led the Southwestern Athletic Conference and finished among the leaders nationally in multiple offensive categories, including passing yardage, completions, completion percentage and total offense.
Chang first got his coaching start as an offensive assistant at SMU under his collegiate head coach, June Jones for two seasons. He assisted in all aspects of the Mustangs' offense with a primary focus on the Mustang quarterbacks. In Chang's first season in 2012, SMU earned an invite to the Hawai'i Bowl where they defeated Fresno State.
A four-year starter for Hawai'i from 2000-04, Chang set the NCAA's all-time passing (17,072) and total offense (16,910) records. The Honolulu native finished his career with 117 total touchdowns, which ranked third at the time. A two-time Hawai'i Bowl Most Outstanding Player, Chang led UH to three bowl appearances and a program-record 29 wins at quarterback. In his final season as a Warrior, he was a finalist for the Johnny Unitas Award, given to the nation's top senior quarterback.
Following his illustrious collegiate career at UH, Chang played professional football in the National Football League, Canadian Football League, and NFL Europe for four seasons. He retired from professional football in 2009 and returned to Hawai'i to complete his bachelor's degree.
Chang will take over a program that has earned four consecutive bowl invitations.
