Former University of Hawaii head football coach Greg McMackin died Tuesday following a long illness, his family announced.

He was 77.

What You Need To Know

  • McMackin, a highly regarded defensive mind, served his first and only stint as a collegiate head coach for Hawaii between 2008 and 2011

  • Over a nearly 40-year career, McMackin earned a reputation as a high-level defensive coordinator and defensive back and linebackers coach

  • He also coached in the NFL with Seattle (defensive coordinator, 1995-1998) and San Francisco (linebackers coach, 2003-2005)

  • At UH, McMackin amassed a 29-25 record with two appearances in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl before retiring in 2011

McMackin, a highly regarded defensive mind, served his first and only stint as a collegiate head coach for Hawaii between 2008 and 2011.

Kayla McMackin posted on Twitter on Tuesday afternoon to honor her grandfather: “Today, the world lost the most generous, loving soul to grace this planet. Most knew him as Coach Mack but to us he was our Papa. He passed peacefully on February 14th, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones playing his favorite songs. We love and miss you more than anything.”

McMackin was born in Springfield, Ore., and played defensive back for Southern Oregon University.

Over a nearly 40-year career, McMackin earned a reputation as a high-level defensive coordinator and defensive back and linebackers coach, with stops at Western Oregon State, Idaho, San Jose State, Stanford, Oregon Tech, Utah, Navy and Miami (Fla.), where he famously coached Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He also coached in the NFL with Seattle (defensive coordinator, 1995-1998) and San Francisco (linebackers coach, 2003-2005).

McMackin served as defensive coordinator for Hawaii in 1999, helping new head coach June Jones reestablish a program left floundering after a 0-12 record the previous season. After stints with Texas Tech and the San Francisco 49er, McMackin returned to Hawaii, helping lead the Warriors to an undefeated season and an appearance in the 2008 Sugar Bowl.

McMackin succeeded Jones the following season after Jones left to become head coach at Southern Methodist University.

At UH, McMackin amassed a 29-25 record with two appearances in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl before retiring under pressure in 2011.