June Jones, Influential Football Coach, Dies at 73

June Jones, a transformative figure in college football and a former NFL head coach, died Thursday at the age of 73.

Jones had been in hospice care for two weeks following earlier health issues, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawai'i, where Jones coached the Rainbow Warriors from 1999 to 2007, confirmed his passing.

Current Hawai'i head coach Timmy Chang, who became the NCAA's all-time passing yards leader under Jones' guidance, described his former coach as 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," Chang said in a statement. "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."

Chang added, "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."

Jones' coaching career began after his playing days, which included time as an undrafted free agent and backup quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. He later served as the Falcons' head coach from 1994 to 1996 and had an interim stint with the San Diego Chargers in 1998.

He returned to Hawai'i to lead the Rainbow Warriors, achieving conference titles in 1999 and 2007. The 2007 season was particularly historic, with Hawai'i finishing 12-0 and making the school's first appearance in a BCS bowl game, the Sugar Bowl.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a former player and assistant coach for the Rainbow Warriors, recalled the 2007 comeback victory against the University of Washington as an example of Jones' special coaching ability. "He leaves an incredible legacy here. June was very special, we will miss him, but his legacy will live on."

Jones also served as head coach at SMU from 2008 to 2014 and coached in the USFL and CFL during his extensive career.