June Jones, Hawaii football legend, dies at 73
The coach who transformed the Rainbow Warriors and produced record-breaking quarterbacks passed away on Thursday.
By Cecilia Martin ·
Former University of Hawaii head football coach June Jones died on Thursday at age 73. Multiple sources confirmed the death of the program's most successful modern-era leader.
Jones compiled 76 wins during nine seasons from 1999 to 2007. His teams won two Western Athletic Conference titles and qualified for six bowl games. The 2007 squad finished the regular season undefeated with a 12-0 record before playing in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
The 1999 season marked the biggest turnaround in NCAA history. Jones guided the team to a 9-4 record and a share of the conference championship. That performance earned him National Coach of the Year honors.
His offensive system featured quarterbacks who set program records. Colt Brennan emerged as a Heisman Trophy finalist during Jones' tenure. The coach also developed five All-Americans, 52 all-conference players, and 16 NFL draft picks.
Jones began his career at Hawaii as a graduate assistant in 1983 after playing quarterback for the school from 1973 to 1974. He later served as head coach at Southern Methodist University from 2008 until his resignation in 2014. His recent roles included offensive coordinator at Kapolei High School and the Seattle Sea Dragons.
He also spent three years coaching in the NFL.
Source: KVVU-TV
