HONOLULU – Abe Elimimian, a former Rainbow Warrior and five-year veteran of University of Hawai'i football coaching staff, has been retained by new head coach Todd Graham as a defensive assistant.
 
Elimimian joined the Rainbow Warrior football program in 2015 and has coached in the secondary all five seasons, including specifically the cornerbacks for the last two. During his time at UH, he has mentored defensive backs Trayvon Henderson, Jalen Rogers, Nick Nelson, and Dejaun Bulter, all of whom played professionally including current NFL players Henderson (Cincinnati) and Nelson (Oakland).
 
Most recently, he coached Rojesterman Farris II, a two-time all-Mountain West cornerback, who was named the team's Defensive Most Valuable Player and went on to play in the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl. On the recruiting trail, he has helped to bring in key players such as receiver Cedric Byrd II and defensive back Eugene Ford.
 
"We are very excited to announce Coach Elimimian as a defensive assistant," Graham said. "He is a great fit for our staff because of his love for our players, our program, and of the University of Hawai'i. He is a tremendous teacher who brings a wealth of experience as a former player and as a dynamic coach."
 
Elimimian was a four-year letterman for the Rainbow Warriors, who completed his career third all-time in interceptions and Top 10 in unassisted tackles. He was a member of three Hawai'i Bowl teams and was a starter in the 2005 Senior Bowl.  
 
Prior to UH, Elimimian was the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Simon Fraser in 2014, where he coached two-time Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year Jordan Herdman. That season, Herman was invited to and played in the Senior Bowl becoming the first Simon Fraser player invited to the presitigous all-star game.
 
The Los Angeles, Calif., native was also a graduate assistant at SMU and Washington State, the latter of which he served as cornerbacks coach. Elimimian began his coaching career at his alma mater Crenshaw High School in 2009, helping lead the team to a Los Angeles City Championship. Crenshaw also was the first city team to advance to the state open championship game.