June Jones, a renowned football coach, has died at the age of 73. His death was confirmed by the University of Hawai’i, where he had a significant career as head coach from 1999 to 2007. He was in hospice care for the last two weeks due to health issues, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Jones played a pivotal role in the development of Hawai’i’s current head coach, Timmy Chang. Under Jones, Chang achieved the NCAA all-time passing yards record. Chang expressed deep sorrow, acknowledging Jones as a mentor and father figure who transformed the game. In a statement via ESPN, Chang said, “He believed in me, giving me the chance to operate his offense. Even beyond my playing days, he guided me in coaching, always offering wisdom and support.”
Jones is credited with elevating Hawai’i football, achieving notable victories like the 2007 BCS Sugar Bowl. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, former Rainbow Warriors player, highlighted Jones’ extraordinary coaching style. “I was on the field against the University of Washington when, against all odds, we came back from being down 21 points twice. His coaching and character were exceptional,” Blangiardi stated.
Jones’ football journey started at Hawai’i, Portland State, and Oregon, after which he joined the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted player. Although his playing career was brief, with only five NFL starts, his coaching career flourished. Jones served as head coach for the Falcons, and interim head coach for the San Diego Chargers. Notably, he chose to return to Hawai’i as head coach, leading them to remarkable successes.
After his time with Hawai’i, Jones led Southern Methodist University (SMU) from 2008 to 2014 and also coached in the USFL and CFL.