Glanville 'just watching' amid reports he will join Hawaii staff

HONOLULU -- Former NFL coach Jerry Glanville participated in Hawaii's first spring practice Tuesday, though neither he nor the school would say if he has officially joined June Jones' staff as the Warriors' associate coach.

Glanville, 63, who hasn't coached since being fired by the Atlanta Falcons following the 1993 season, said only that he was just an "observer."

"I'm just watching," he said, after a two-hour practice during which he led the defense, barking instructions and moving players around. "I'm a candidate trying to pass an interview."

University policy prohibits the coaching job from being filled until at least the end of the week. Monday was the closing date to accept applications for the position.

Glanville would help run the Warriors' defense, which ranked 117th out of 118 Division I schools last season. The Warriors were worst in the nation against the run.

"I asked all the coaches how the vote was going and they told me I'm in a little trouble," Glanville joked. "So I'm trying to suck up and get some more votes."

Jones, who succeeded Glanville at Atlanta, said he was still interviewing about four candidates and expected to make a decision shortly. None of the other candidates have been publicly identified.

Jones downplayed Glanville's presence at Tuesday's practice.

"It's still part of the interview process -- observing," Jones said with a smile. "He's got to observe one more day."

He said Glanville is a candidate for the associate coach job, a position created by the departure of offensive line coach Mike Cavanaugh to Oregon State. Mouse Davis was moved from special teams coach to lead the offensive line.

Jones, who also worked under Glanville at the Houston Oilers, thinks highly of his old boss.

"Jerry is just a good guy, once you get to know him, you'll appreciate him like I do," he said.

Wearing black shorts with the Warriors logo and a big, white cowboy hat, Glanville stood out at practice like a pale tourist on Waikiki Beach. He was the most energetic person on the field, with his voice resonating through Manoa Valley.