[4] In January 2013, Paopao took on the role of UW tight ends coach, following two seasons as a graduate assistant at Washington.
[citation needed] During his two years as a graduate assistant, Paopao mentored various players, including tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins.
Seferian-Jenkins made significant contributions, breaking numerous UW single-season and career records for the tight end position.
[citation needed] In the 2017 season, Paopao guided a talented group of tight ends, featuring Will Dissly, a fourth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft and a second team All-Pac-12 selection.
Notably, Dissly was one of four former UW tight ends coached by Paopao participating in NFL fall camps the previous year.
[citation needed] In 2018, Paopao's tight ends group comprised a substantial roster of contributors to Washington's offense.
Additionally, redshirt freshman Cade Otton emerged as a promising talent, while sophomore Hunter Bryant's return from injury later in the season played a pivotal role in the Huskies securing their second Pac-12 Football Championship Game in the last three years.