Former Rainbow Warrior running back Nate Ilaoa joined the University of Hawai‘i football program in 2022 as the director of recruiting. He has since switched to director of player development for the 2023 season.
A teammate of head coach Timmy Chang during their UH days, Ilaoa lettered with the Rainbow Warriors from 2001-06. The graduate of North Stafford High School in Virginia, began his UH career as a wide receiver before switching to the backfield, where he had a breakout 2006 season, amassing 1,827 all-purpose yards and 18 touchdowns.
Ilaoa was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh round of the 2007 draft. He also played briefly with the Columbus Destroyers of the Arena Football League during the 2008 season.
Born in California, Ilaoa began his coaching career at Moanalua High School in 2016 and later returned for the 2019 season. He also had stints at Punahou School (2018) and Kahuku High School (2017). Ilaoa also served as a skills trainer at Ikaika Athletics from 2020-21 with owner and former teammate Mike Lafaele and was an assistant coach at the Polynesian All-Star Game every year since its inception. He was also an assistant coach at the 2020 Hula Bowl.
