The University of Hawai'i expects to "soon" announce a search committee to aid in the process of picking a new athletics director, according to a spokesman for the Manoa chancellor's office.

UH posted the opening Jan. 30, and a review of applications is scheduled to begin Thursday. Director of communications Gregg Takayama declined to say if an announcement would be made by week's end, how many members might comprise the committee or what its role would include.

Herman Frazier was fired without cause on Jan. 8, the day after head football coach June Jones, whose final season expired without a contract renewal, left for Southern Methodist University. Frazier held the position for 5 1/2 years and has been replaced by interim AD Carl Clapp.

Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw said on Jan. 21 she hoped to have a selection in "four to six weeks." Monday will mark the start of the fourth week.

Takayama declined to release the number of applicants, saying the number "is part of the process." No salary range has yet been set for the new athletics director. Frazier was paid $250,000 per year. The UH president, with the Board of Regents approval, may reset the pay.

Takayama said he does not expect the school to hire an executive search firm to assist in the selection.

Texas-based Eastman & Beaudine recommended 11 candidates, including Frazier, to UH in 2002 and received a five-figure fee for its role.

Reach Ferd Lewis at flewis@honoluluadvertiser.com.