Despite recently having his contract extended for next season, Hawai'i coach Mike Trapasso appears to be a candidate for the vacant position at Washington, several news Web sites reported.

Hawai'i athletic director Jim Donovan declined to say whether Trapasso had talked to him about the UW job and referred questions to Trapasso. Trapasso did not immediately respond to phone calls last night.

Donovan said he had not been contacted by Washington.

But Donovan did say, "when I read about the Washington opening, I thought Mike might be a candidate for the job. They're probably looking for someone who has extensive West Coast recruiting contacts and Mike does."

Trapasso has recruited extensively in the Pacific Northwest. Four players on this past season's roster list hometowns from either Washington or Idaho. One of his signees for next season, pitcher Kirk Wetmore, went to Bellevue (Wash.) JC. But he signed with the Cleveland Indians, who drafted him in the 11th round.

Washington is seeking a replacement for Ken Knutson, who was fired earlier this week after 17 seasons with the Huskies.

Other reported candidates include San Francisco's Nino Giarratano, Gonzaga's Mark Machtolf, Louisiana State pitching coach David Grewe, Washington State's Don Marbut and Pepperdine's Steve Rodriguez.