First-year defensive coordinator Corey Batoon joined the University of Hawai'i football staff just before the New Year, fresh off a very successful season at Florida Atlantic, where he served as special teams coordinator and co-defensive coordinator. The Saint Louis School alum helped guide an Owls program that made an eight-game turnaround to become Conference USA Champions a year after finishing 3-9. 

HawaiiAthletics.com and H-TV was able to sit down with the new Warriors DC to gain some insight into the man behind the position.

Q: When you're actually able to get out of the office, what do you like to do in your spare time? 
A: Our job is so consuming, especially with how we recruit, but I really enjoy our family time. Whether it's a just a night out with my wife or spending time in the summers with my daughters who are away in college, those are most enjoyable.

Q: What is your favorite or most proud coaching moment?
A: That's really hard to answer.  The '15 season at Ole Miss was special, beating Alabama on the road for a second straight year and Sugar Bowl win was memorable. But really I'm most proud of the lives we have been able to touch through this job. Seeing our players grow up, begin their careers, becoming husbands and fathers...that's what has made us most proud.

Q: What is the favorite place that you've traveled?
A: We really enjoy the Bay Area. We spent some time there when we coached at St. Mary's College; love the climate and diversity of things to do.

Q: Who would you say is your biggest coaching mentor? 
A: It's hard to pick just one. I learned so much from my Dad, who was a college coach when I was growing up. I have have taken different things from every stop in this coaching journey.

Q: What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?
A: I try to eat right and in moderation, but I have a really bad sweet tooth. So being back home has been a challenge. I have a weakness for Ted's haupia chocolate pie...very hard to pass that up.

Q: What is your absolute favorite food?
A: I love Korean Food. Growing up in Kaneohe, I'm always partial to Kim Chee 1. 

Q: What is one concept that your players would say that you hammer home in your coaching?
A: I think it's important that our guys understand the energy they need to bring. It takes no talent at all to play with great energy and effort.