“If he can bring some of that magic from Ohio State to Hawaii, we're going to be very happy,” said Takai. “He's coming into a very difficult situation, but it's one that we all should take advantage of and move forward.”   

According to Columbus Business First, Jay earned an annual base salary of $171,224 last year at Ohio State. However, the terms of his deal with UH have yet to be announced.

“That's still being worked on and I can't really disclose any of the details of it yet, but it's something we will work on with Chancellor Apple,” said Jay.

The University of Hawaii Board of Regents set a salary range for the new athletics director of $203,000 to $293,000.  UH plays football in the Mountain West Conference where the average salary for an athletics director is $277,000. 

Before his dismissal, Donovan had been earning $240,000 per year as athletics director. He was given a new public relations job under Apple’s office at $211,200 per year for the next three years.

“It would be a great package if (Jay’s) salary came in close to what he's getting now at Ohio State, but then add on tremendous incentives for performance,” said Takai. “We need to move in that direction if we're going to be doing some of the things that we aspire to do.” 

Apple said Jay’s official start date, length of contract and salary would be made public once Greenwood approves his hiring.

Jay leaves behind an athletics program at Ohio State with an annual budget of more than $132 million, four times more than the $33 million budget at UH.

Despite the disparity in finances and prestige between the two schools, Jay is determined to make his tenure at UH a success.

“We will improve our operations, our program and give the support to the coaches and student-athletes the way they deserve,” said Jay.  “We will make Rainbow Warrior fans proud (and) we will bring excitement.”