Hawkins coached the Bearcats football program from 1993-1997, posting an overall record of 40-12-1. He led Willamette to two Conference titles and to the NAIA quarter finals in 1996 and to the championship game in 1997. Hawkins was named Conference coach of the year three times. Hawkins moved on to coach at Boise State in 1997, taking over as head coach in 2001.