June Jones Passes Away at 73
June Jones, a well-known football coach who made significant contributions to college football, passed away on Thursday at the age of 73. His health had been declining, and he was placed in hospice care two weeks prior, according to reports.
The University of Hawai’i confirmed Jones’s death. He served as the head coach there from 1999 to 2007, having previously played quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors.
Timmy Chang, the current head coach at Hawai’i, reflected on Jones’s influence, stating that words couldn’t fully capture the sadness he feels at the loss. Chang, who became the NCAA’s all-time passing yards leader under Jones’s guidance, expressed that Jones was like a father figure and a visionary in the sport. He emphasized how Jones not only believed in him during his playing days but also supported him as he transitioned into coaching.
Jones’s coaching legacy is remarkable. He significantly raised Hawaii football’s profile, and Chang is determined to honor that legacy throughout his career. The love and support Jones shared with those he encountered were profound, and he is remembered fondly by many.
Before coaching, Jones had a brief NFL career. He played for the Atlanta Falcons for four seasons, mainly as a backup to Steve Bartkowski, and started five games, winning just one of them.
Right after his playing days ended, Jones jumped into coaching. He served as the Falcons’ head coach from 1994 to 1996 and briefly took on the interim head coach position for the San Diego Chargers in 1998.
Deciding to return to his roots, he took the head coaching position at Hawai’i, leading the Rainbow Warriors to conference championships in 1999 and 2007. The latter year was particularly impressive, as the team started with a perfect 12-0 record and made it to the Sugar Bowl, the first BCS bowl game in the school’s history.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a former player and assistant coach for the Rainbow Warriors, praised the monumental achievement of the 2007 season, recalling an incredible comeback in a game against the University of Washington. Blangiardi noted that Jones’s coaching style was exceptional and that he leaves behind a lasting legacy in Hawaii.
Following his time at Hawai’i, Jones went on to coach at SMU from 2008 to 2014 and had stints in both the USFL and CFL.
