For the first time in his 38-year association with the Hawai'i football program, George Lumpkin does not have any field assignments.

"It's been difficult, but not hard," said Lumpkin, who has been an on-field coach for 36 years after playing two seasons as a UH defensive back. "I've been a coach for a long time."

At the urging of head coach Greg McMackin, Lumpkin moved from assistant head coach to director of player personnel.

In his new position, Lumpkin serves as recruiting coordinator and academic liaison. Na Koa, UH's booster club, pays for the director of player personnel's salary and benefits.

"Mack talked to me about it," Lumpkin said of the non-coaching position. "He thought this was the best deal (for the team). I'm all supportive of Mack. What he said is what I want to do."

Lumpkin said he welcomed the opportunity to work with prospects and their families. He said the job allows him to guide a player from the recruiting process through graduation.

"Any time I can continuously work with people, that's my main objective," Lumpkin said. "I enjoy helping the young guys mature and grow. That's the best part: helping to mentor the young people, and deal with the challenges they have in life, and helping overcome those challenges."

Lumpkin and his predecessor, Tony Tuioti, who now coaches the defensive tackles, have crafted a five-year outline for recruiting. Lumpkin said the Warriors will expand their recruiting reach to Western Samoa, Australia and New Zealand.

The Warriors also are going to increase their letter-writing and e-mail contacts with recruits.

"(Recruits) need to know you're interested in them," Lumpkin said. "It's not enough to offer a scholarship and say, 'We're interested because we offered a scholarship.' You have to show a little love by the mailings that go out on a continual basis so they know there's interest. We'll intensify that."