A Farewell to Stutz

Craig Stutzmann's move to Portland State is now official.

Portland State Head Football Coach Jerry Glanville has announced the hiring of Craig Stutzmann as the Vikings' new wide receivers coach to complete his staff for the 2009 season. Glanville has also added Steve Englehart as the Viking football team's strength and conditioning coach.

Stutzmann joins the Vikings from the University of Hawai'i where he was about to begin his second season as a graduate assistant wide receivers coach. A 2002 graduate of the University of Hawai'i, Stutzmann played for the Warriors under Junes Jones from 1998-2001. As a slotback, he caught 177 passes for 2,025 yards and 18 touchdown in 46 games. He was a team co-captain as a senior.

"Craig gives us a great sense of comfort," said Glanville. "We got 'the guy' that we don't have to coach for him to coach here. He can actually coach me on some items. He's been with June (Jones), he's played in the system. He has coached at Hawai'i. We could not have had a better guy come in on this short notice. I went from 'oh my, God' to 'it can't be any better.'"

Englehart was a strength and conditioning coach for UH.

Here are some articles about the move from the people who broke the story a couple days ago --

Stephen Tsai:

It's bittersweet," said Stutzmann, who was eighth on the UH career list with 177 receptions. "I really love Hawai'i, and I love UH, but this is a good opportunity for me."

Although he was responsible for the receivers and assisted in scouting opponents, Stutzmann was classified as a graduate assistant. He received tuition and a small monthly stipend, but no medical benefits. Stutzmann and his wife, Briana, have a 2-month-old son.

"I'm excited about working with Jerry, and the quarterbacks and receivers," Stutzmann said. Jerry Glanville, who was UH's defensive coordinator in 2005 and 2006, is Portland State's head coach.

Tsai also noted that offensive lineman Brysen Ginlack will redshirt.

Jason Kaneshiro:

"This all came up rather suddenly so we'll talk about it (today)," Lee said.

"Hopefully things work out for the best for him, but we're sure going to miss him. Big loss. He was like another full-time assistant."

Lee was Hawaii's receivers coach for nine seasons before being elevated to offensive coordinator last season. Lee would likely have a more direct role in coaching the receivers in Stutzmann's absence with Rolovich also assisting.

"We'll work it out somehow," Lee said.

All the best to Craig.