George Lumpkin hired as UH's assistant head coach

About retaining coach Lumpkin, Mack said:
"George is very valuable to me. He's a veteran here. He knows everything about the school. He knows academics. He cares about the players." (HA)

HA Note: "George Lumpkin, who has coached or played for the Warriors 35 of the past 38 years, has signed a contract to be UH's assistant head coach and defensive assistant."

HA Note: "McMackin said Lumpkin, who is knowledgeable of the entire defensive scheme, will not be limited to one position. "That's great," Lumpkin said of his flexible role. Lumpkin transferred from a junior college in 1970. He played two seasons, was a graduate assistant for another and, after that, spent all but three years as a UH coach."

About how his initial goal was to be a JC head coach, but at the urging of former coach Larry Price he earned his MS degree and took courses towards a PhD degree, Lumpkin said:
"God had some different plans for me. I've been blessed. There's nothing like being in Hawai'i." (HA)

HA Note: "Lumpkin suffered in silence last season. He has a hip injury that makes it difficult to take a step without wincing. But he never complained, and he never missed a practice last season."

About coaching last season with a hip injury, Lumpkin said:
"By the grace of God, you dig in and do what you've got to do." (HA)

HA Note: "He is scheduled to undergo hip-replacement surgery in March. He said the new procedure will allow him to coach in spring practice."