The last University of Hawai'i assistant coach hired — Alex Gerke — is the first to leave.

Gerke, who helped coach the UH running backs and offensive linemen the past season, has accepted an assistant coach's job at Utah State.

He will join his friend, Gary Anderson, who was named the Aggies' head coach earlier this month.

"I hope he is successful there," UH head coach Greg McMackin said. "Gerke's done nothing but good things for us. He's been an outstanding coach."

Gerke was the last assistant named to McMackin's first coaching staff. Gerke had spent the previous two seasons at Weber State.

Gerke had the title of coach of the running backs. McMackin said Gerke also served as an "assistant offensive line coach." Brian Smith is the main line coach.

"Gerke spent most of his career in Utah," McMackin said. "The (Utah State) coach is a good friend of his. He's a Utah guy."

McMackin said he has received several inquiries about the vacant position. But he said he will not hire Gerke's successor until after Feb. 4, the first day 2009 recruits may sign national letters of intent.

"I want to focus on recruiting," said McMackin, noting he hired Gerke after the 2008 signing date. "I don't want to take anything away from that. I want to get the right fit for our staff. I don't want to rush into anything."

McMackin and his family are in Las Vegas, where they own a second home. Starting next Sunday, coaches are permitted to visit recruits. UH already has received several verbal commitments from prospects in Las Vegas and California.

McMackin said Gerke's departure will not hinder recruiting. Gerke and Smith collaborated on recruiting offensive tackle Brent Leonard of Saddleback College. Last week, Leonard signed a scholarship agreement with the Warriors. Leonard will enroll at UH in January.

While McMackin is open to looking at several applicants, he expects the new hire to also work with the offensive line. Asked if two offensive line coaches can work together, McMackin said, "absolutely."

"I'm going to be patient and not jump into anything," McMackin said. "I don't like to make emotional decisions. I want to take my time. Besides, you can only have seven guys on the road (recruiting). It doesn't hurt us with recruiting."