June Jones, a record-setting football coach known for his innovations with the run-and-shoot offense at the college and NFL levels, died on Thursday at age 73, according to his Run and Shoot Certification company.
Jones' legacy was highlighted in a statement: "June's greatest legacy wasn't the records, championships or offense. It was the people he believed in, the opportunities he gave and the lives he forever changed. He made everyone around him feel valued and his kindness and generosity and passion for Christ will never be forgotten."
After playing for offensive coordinator Mouse Davis, Jones was introduced to the offense, which was one of the first to truly lean on the passing game. He worked his way up through the USFL and CFL before becoming head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996.
Jones' legend grew after arriving at Hawaii in 1999. He took over a program coming off an 18-game losing streak and immediately led them to a 9-4 record and a share of the WAC title, the biggest turnaround in history at the time. His teams were defined by incredible passing offense. Quarterback Timmy Chang left as college football's all-time leader in passing yards with 17,000 yards, and his successor Colt Brennan also ranks in the top 15. Jones recorded a 76-41 record at Hawaii and led the program to a historic 12-1 season in 2007, the only loss coming against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
After a contract dispute, Jones left to take over at SMU, which was coming off a 1-11 season. By Year 2, he led the Mustangs to their first winning season in 12 years, marking SMU's first stretch of consistency since the Death Penalty in 1987. His seven-year tenure revamping SMU laid the groundwork for the program's eventual return to power conferences and national relevance under Rhett Lashlee 15 years later.
Jones remained involved in football across levels after leaving SMU. He served as head coach of the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the XFL's Houston Roughnecks, and coordinated offenses in The Spring League and in Hawaii high school football. In his career, Jones won two WAC titles and two Conference USA West division titles. He was named national coach of the year in 1999 and conference coach of the year three times. His overall records: 112-84 at the college level, 22-36 in the NFL, 14-14 in the CFL, and 5-0 in the XFL.
