June Jones: Celebrated Football Coach Remembered for His Impact and Legacy

June Jones, a revered football coach known for his substantial contributions at the college level, passed away at the age of 73. His passing occurred after being placed in hospice care two weeks prior, following a series of health challenges earlier in the year, as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The University of Hawai’i, where Jones served as head coach from 1999 to 2007, confirmed his death.

Timmy Chang, the current head coach at Hawai’i, reflected on the significant influence Jones had on his career. Chang, who reached the NCAA’s all-time passing yards record under Jones’s guidance, expressed his profound sorrow. “Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary,” Chang stated, emphasizing Jones’s role in his coaching career transition and constant support.

Jones played college football at Hawai’i, Portland State, and Oregon before joining the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. During his four-year stint there, he backed up quarterback Steve Bartkowski and started five games, achieving one win.

After retiring from playing, Jones began his coaching career, eventually leading the Falcons as head coach from 1994 to 1996. He also served as the interim head coach for the San Diego Chargers in 1998. Rather than pursue further NFL opportunities, Jones chose to return to Hawai’i as head coach, guiding the Rainbow Warriors to two conference titles and a historic 2007 season.

In 2007, Hawai’i achieved a 12-0 start, culminating in their first BCS bowl game appearance at the Sugar Bowl. Former Rainbow Warriors player and assistant coach, Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, lauded Jones for elevating Hawai’i football beyond expectations.

Following his tenure at Hawai’i, Jones became head coach at SMU from 2008 to 2014. His career later extended to coaching roles in the USFL and CFL, leaving a lasting legacy in football.