Mouse Davis

Though actually invented by Glenn “Tiger” Ellison, the modern Run & Shoot Offense we now know today had its beginnings with Mouse Davis during Portland State’s fabulous run in late 1970s and early 1980s. Mouse’s star pupil June Jones took the offense a step further bringing the offense to the NFL and later to the University of Hawaii. From 1999-2007, UH fans had the pleasure of seeing this unique offense run to perfection. Sadly with June now gone to SMU, the Hawaii Run & Shoot is now but a ghost of its former self.

This is not a condemnation of Ron Lee or Nick Rolovich because they are good “position” coaches. They are just not experienced enough to run a successful offense in the WAC and it is showing with each passing game. Losing games is bad for any coach but for inexperienced coaches without name recognition and NFL experience, the problem is exacerbated. Recruiting is hurt by losing and without a “June Jones” type many on the outside who associate Hawaii with the Run & Shoot will see the program based on Ron Lee and Rolovich’s resumes alone. Ron Lee’s resume reads successful high school assistant coach with a few years at Oregon Tech of the NAIA. Rolovich is a one year Division 1 starter with a couple of years coaching on the JUCO level. Not impressive at all for any prospect with NFL aspirations.

MacMackin took a calculated risk by not bringing in a solid offensive coordinator upon taking the Head Coaching Position at UH. June never made that mistake. He always went with someone whom he could trust on defense so that he could devote his time to the side of the ball he knew best, the offense. Mac was hoping that the momentum of the 12-0 season and June Jone’s legacy would carry over to recruiting and wins. He underestimated June’s ability to coach and run the offense. He thought that if he had good players, a Rolo and a Ron would be enough to do the job. Wrong!!!!!

UH desperately needs some senior leadership on the offensive side to reverse this negative downslide and bring vitality back to this once potent offense. Besides winning games, the new offensive coordinator must be able to consistently bring in solid BCS minus or Mid-Major plus athletes to play QB, WR, and O-line. Lastly, that person must keep an eye on the future and train a successor for his position, which June failed to do during his tenure at UH. If this is not done soon we are looking at the dark days of “Fred What Happened” coming back all over again.