College Sports · NFL
Former Falcons, Hawaii and SMU Coach June Jones Dies at 73
June Jones coached in the NFL and led Hawaii from a winless season to a Sugar Bowl appearance, leaving a lasting influence through the run-and-shoot offense.
June Jones, the former Atlanta Falcons, Hawaii and SMU head coach associated with the run-and-shoot offense, died Thursday morning in Oregon at age 73, the University of Hawaii announced. The school did not disclose a cause of death.
Jones’ career connected professional football with a college program he transformed into a national contender. Hawaii said information about memorial services and opportunities to honor him would be announced in the coming days.
From a winless season to the Sugar Bowl
Jones took over Hawaii in 1999 after an 0–12 season and immediately led the team to a 9–4 record and an Oahu Bowl victory. He finished his nine seasons with a 76–41 record, the most coaching wins in school history.
The 2007 team completed a 12–0 regular season, won the Western Athletic Conference title and reached the Sugar Bowl. Quarterback Colt Brennan became Hawaii’s first Heisman Trophy finalist that year. Georgia defeated the Rainbow Warriors 41–10 in the bowl. Jones, Brennan and the 2007 team have been inducted into the university’s Circle of Honor.
Timmy Chang, another record-setting quarterback Jones coached, later became Hawaii’s head coach. In the university’s tribute, Chang described Jones’ continuing support as he moved from playing into coaching and eventually took charge of the program.
An NFL coach with a distinctive offense
Jones learned the run-and-shoot under Mouse Davis at Portland State. The system used four receivers who adjusted routes as plays developed. His NFL coaching work included the Houston Oilers, where he joined Jerry Glanville’s staff and worked with Warren Moon.
He later succeeded Glanville in Atlanta and guided the Falcons to a playoff appearance with Jeff George at quarterback. Jones coached Atlanta for three seasons and subsequently served as the San Diego Chargers’ interim head coach.
After leaving Hawaii, he coached SMU to a 36–43 record over six-plus seasons. His Hawaii tenure included six bowl appearances and two conference championships.
