June Jones, Visionary Football Coach for Hawai'i and Falcons, Dies at 73

June Jones, a prominent football coach whose career spanned collegiate and professional ranks, passed away Thursday at the age of 73. His death was confirmed by the University of Hawai'i, an institution where he both played quarterback and later served as a highly successful head coach for the Rainbow Warriors.

Reports indicated that Jones had been in hospice care for the past two weeks, following ongoing health challenges earlier in the year.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Timmy Chang, the current head coach for Hawai'i, who achieved the NCAA's all-time passing yards record under Jones's guidance, expressed profound sadness upon learning of his former mentor's death. Chang described the depth of his sorrow as inexpressible.

Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary who revolutionized the game. He believed in a young kid from Hawai’i and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to run his offense. And his impact didn’t stop when my playing days ended. He guided me every step of the way as I transitioned into coaching, always making time to share his wisdom and support me when I took over this program. He put Hawai'i football on the map and showed us all what was possible. We lost a true legend today, but I will spend the rest of my career trying to honor his legacy, his passion for this university and the Aloha he shared with everyone he touched. My deepest condolences go out to his 'ohana and all those who he impacted.

From Quarterback to Head Coach

Jones's journey in football began as a player, competing at the collegiate level for Hawai'i, Portland State, and Oregon. After college, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent, where he spent four seasons as a backup quarterback. Throughout his NFL playing career, he started five games, securing one victory.

His transition into coaching occurred immediately after his playing career concluded. Jones steadily advanced through the coaching ranks, eventually becoming the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996. He also held an interim head coaching position with the San Diego Chargers in 1998.

Transforming Hawai'i Football

Despite an opportunity to remain with the Chargers, Jones made the pivotal decision to return to the University of Hawai'i to lead the Rainbow Warriors as head coach. His tenure from 1999 to 2007 marked a period of significant achievement, including conference championships in both 1999 and 2007. The 2007 season, in particular, stood out as historic.

That year, the Hawai'i team achieved an undefeated 12-0 regular season record, earning the program its first-ever bid to a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game, the prestigious Sugar Bowl.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, who was a former player and assistant coach for the Rainbow Warriors, reflected on the extraordinary nature of that 2007 season.

The 2007 season and making the Sugar Bowl, that went over what anybody ever thought was possible. I was on the field for the game [against] the University of Washington. We were down 21 points, not once but twice, and still came back to win against a very formidable opponent. That kind of coaching and who he was was very, very special. He leaves an incredible legacy here. June was very special, we will miss him, but his legacy will live on.

Later Coaching Endeavors

Following his successful run at Hawai'i, Jones took on the head coaching role at SMU, leading their program from 2008 to 2014. His extensive coaching career also included stints in other professional football leagues, such as the USFL and the CFL.