What Is 2014 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football

Overview

The 2014 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors football season was a difficult campaign for the University of Hawaii at Mānoa's team, which competed in the Mountain Division of the Mountain West Conference. Led by head coach Norm Chow until his mid-season dismissal, the team struggled on both offense and defense, finishing with a 3–10 overall record and a 2–6 mark in conference play.

Despite high expectations entering the season, the Warriors failed to improve on their 4–10 record from 2013, ultimately enduring one of the most disappointing seasons in recent program history. The offense sputtered under inconsistent quarterback play, while the defense ranked near the bottom of the FBS in multiple categories.

• Record: The team finished 3–10 overall and 2–6 in Mountain West play, their worst record since 2009.
• Head Coach: Norm Chow was fired on November 10 after a 3–9 start, with offensive coordinator Paul Johnson serving as interim.
• Scoring: Hawaii averaged just 18.3 points per game, ranking 111th out of 125 FBS teams in scoring offense.
• Defense: The defense allowed 32.5 points per game, totaling 423 points against, the 11th-worst in the nation.
• Home Games: All home games were played at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, a 50,000-seat venue that has hosted the team since 1975.

How It Works

The 2014 season followed standard NCAA Division I FBS football rules and scheduling, with Hawaii playing a 13-game schedule featuring non-conference and conference opponents.

• Non-Conference Play: The season opened with four non-conference games, including matchups against Oregon, UNLV, and Texas Southern, setting a tough early tone.
• Conference Structure: As a member of the Mountain Division of the Mountain West, Hawaii faced teams like Fresno State, San Diego State, and Utah State.
• Offensive System: The team ran a spread offense under Norm Chow, but inconsistent execution led to only 238 total points scored all season.
• Defensive Scheme: Utilizing a 3–4 base defense, the unit struggled to generate stops, allowing 423 points and ranking 112th nationally in total defense.
• Quarterback Rotation: Multiple quarterbacks saw action, including Sean Schroeder and Taylor Graham, neither of whom established consistent control of the position.
• Coaching Change: Norm Chow was dismissed on November 10, 2014, after three seasons, due to a 16–20 overall record and declining team performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2014 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors compared to key conference rivals and national averages across critical performance metrics:

The table illustrates that Hawaii significantly underperformed compared to peers and national standards. While teams like Boise State dominated the conference, Hawaii ranked near the bottom in scoring and defense, reflecting systemic issues in coaching, talent, and execution. The Warriors' inability to compete in close games and lack of offensive firepower contributed heavily to their poor record.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a turning point for the Hawaii football program, highlighting the consequences of coaching instability and recruiting challenges in a competitive FBS landscape.

• Program Direction: The firing of Norm Chow signaled a need for a new philosophy and leadership approach for future seasons.
• Recruiting Impact: Poor performance may have hindered recruiting efforts, especially in retaining top local Hawaiian talent.
• Financial Implications: Low attendance and lack of bowl eligibility affected revenue from tickets and media rights.
• Player Development: The season exposed gaps in quarterback development and defensive discipline under pressure.
• Conference Standing: Hawaii's struggles weakened its competitive standing within the Mountain West Conference.
• Historical Context: The 3–10 record was among the worst in the post-June Jones era, marking a low point in program history.

Ultimately, the 2014 season served as a catalyst for change, leading to a coaching search that resulted in the hiring of Nick Rolovich in December 2015, who would later revitalize the program with a more effective offensive system.