Before coming to Hawaii as defensive coordinator in 2007, he previously served in the same capacity for the Seattle Seahawks, the Miami Hurricanes, and the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
[2] While there, he coached Lombardi Award winner Warren Sapp, Ray Lewis and six First-Team Consensus All-Americans.
McMackin served as defensive coordinator at six colleges: Hawaii, Texas Tech, Miami, Navy, Utah, and Idaho.
McMackin, previously the defensive coordinator for the Hawaii Warriors, was one of several individuals being considered to fill the vacancy left by June Jones as head coach.
Upon signing his five-year contract, McMackin became the highest-paid state employee with a $1.12 million annual salary.