June Jones, Innovative College Football Coach, Dies at 73

June Jones, a prominent college football coach celebrated for his innovative use of the run-and-shoot offense, died Thursday at the age of 73. His career, marked by prolific passing attacks and numerous victories, concluded after a battle with health issues that led him to enter hospice care two weeks prior.

Jones, a former quarterback himself, played at Oregon, Hawaii, and Portland State before a brief stint in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons from 1977 to 1981. He entered coaching after his playing days, initially as a quarterbacks coach at the University of Hawaii.

His coaching career advanced through the NFL ranks, culminating in a head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996. The Falcons organization acknowledged his passing, stating on X, "We mourn the passing of former head coach June Jones. A visionary in the passing game, Coach Jones will be remembered with gratitude for his contributions to our organization and the lasting impact he made on those he coached and mentored."

Following his time with the Falcons, Jones served as interim head coach for the Chargers in 1998. He then accepted the head coaching position at the University of Hawaii, where he achieved significant success over nine seasons from 1999 to 2007. During his tenure, Jones led the Rainbow Warriors to 76 wins, six bowl game appearances, and two Western Athletic Conference titles. His final season at Hawaii saw the team achieve a 12-0 regular season record before falling in the Sugar Bowl.

The University of Hawaii's football program paid tribute to Jones, calling him "A leader, coach, mentor and innovator who helped bring Hawai’i Football to unprecedented heights. Rest In Aloha, June Jones."

Jones later moved to SMU, where he coached the Mustangs for six seasons, compiling a record of 36-43. His most recent coaching role was as offensive coordinator for the XFL's Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023.