‘There will be a void’: UH coaches react to Athletics Director David Matlin’s upcoming retirement

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - University of Hawaii Athletics Director David Matlin announced on Wednesday that he will retire from his position at the University effective June 2nd.

The reason for his retirement is not known at this time, but his contract was set to expire in the Spring.

The news shocking the entire department.

“There will be a void regardless of who fills the position for a while because of what he has done and how he has elevated this program.” Women’s basketball head coach Laura Beeman told reporters.

Matlin took the position of AD in 2015, during his tenure he’s hired 16 head coaches — the most by any AD in school history — while experiencing success on and off the field with graduation rates at an all-time high and two National Championships for men’s volleyball, 30 teams participating in National postseason play, 14 conference titles and five bowl game invites for the football team.

“He was always very in tune and I know it was not just with me, I know from a lot of our coaches, they always felt like he did have an ear for everyone.” Soccer head coach Michele Nagamine said.

He also led the athletics program through the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of Aloha Stadium.

“He has done a lot to, keep all of the programs, in survival mode going through Covid and everything.” Softball head coach Bob Coolen said.

“My heart is filled with gratitude as the University of Hawai’i has provided me with incredible experiences, friendships, and a top notch graduate education from the Shidler College of Business. Special thanks to President Lassner for his leadership and support of Intercollegiate athletics during these unprecedented times.” David Matlin said in a statement. “There is much to do between now and the end of this academic year, so my focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition to the next AD and continuing the positive momentum we have built in all of our programs. Mahalo nui loa and GO ‘BOWS!”

Prior to UH, Matlin was a local business leader, including time as the executive director of the Hawaii Bowl and the Diamond Head Classic.

When he retires in June, Matlin will be the fifth-longest serving Athletics Director in school history behind Otto “Proc” Klum, Stan Sheriff, Hugh Yoshida, and Hank Vasconcellos.

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