June Jones, a prominent figure in football coaching, passed away at 73. His death followed a period in hospice care due to earlier health issues, as reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Jones had a distinguished career, especially at the University of Hawai’i, where he was head coach from 1999 to 2007 after playing as a quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors. The university confirmed his passing.
Timmy Chang, the current head coach at Hawai’i, reflected on Jones’s legacy. Under Jones’s guidance, Chang became the NCAA’s all-time passing yards leader. In a statement to ESPN, Chang expressed deep sorrow over Jones’s death. He described Jones as a father figure and a visionary who significantly impacted his career and life. Chang credited Jones with putting Hawai’i football on the map and vowed to honor his legacy throughout his coaching career.
Jones’s football journey began as a player at Hawai’i, Portland State, and Oregon. As an undrafted free agent, he joined the Atlanta Falcons, playing as a backup quarterback to Steve Bartkowski. After his playing days ended, Jones transitioned into coaching, eventually becoming the head coach for the Falcons from 1994 to 1996. He also served as the interim head coach for the San Diego Chargers in 1998.
Choosing to return to Hawai’i, Jones took on the role of head coach. His tenure included leading the Rainbow Warriors to conference titles in 1999 and 2007. The latter year was groundbreaking, with Hawai’i achieving a 12-0 start and securing a place in the school’s first BCS bowl game, the Sugar Bowl. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who has ties to the Rainbow Warriors, praised Jones’s coaching excellence and lasting legacy.
Jones later became the head coach at SMU from 2008 to 2014 and also had stints coaching in the USFL and CFL.
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