HONOLULU -- As the search moves forward to replace June Jones as head coach of the Warrior football team, sources close to the situation said that defensive coordinator Greg McMackin is a possible front-runner for the job.

McMackin had been confirmed as joining quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison and runningbacks coach Wes Suan as following Jones to Southern Methodist University. However, encouragement by remaining University of Hawaii players and coaches appears to have given McMackin a desire for the job.

In two seasons with Hawaii, Warriors are undefeated in road games and have won two Western Athletic Conference championships.

He turned a Warrior defense ranked 93rd in 2006 to 33rd nationally in 2007.

Jones himself suggested five coaches he felt would be good choices to lead the team in his absence.

Potential Candidates:

Norm Chow (NFL Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator)

Duane Akina (Texas University defensive coordinator)

Cal Lee (UH linebackers coach)

Kevin Gilbride (NFL Giants offensive coordinator)

Dick Tomey (former UH head coach/current San Jose St. coach)