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 the age of 73, according to his Run and Shoot Certification company.
Jones' coaching career spanned multiple leagues, including the USFL, CFL, NFL, XFL, and college football. He served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996, posting a 22-36 NFL record.
His most notable impact came at the University of Hawaii, where he took over a program coming off an 18-game losing streak in 1999 and immediately led the Rainbow Warriors to a 9-4 record and a share of the WAC title, marking the biggest turnaround in college football history at the time. Over nine seasons, Jones compiled a 76-41 record, won two WAC titles, and guided Hawaii to a historic 12-1 season in 2007, with the only loss coming against Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Under his system, quarterback Timmy Chang became college football's all-time leading passer with 17,000 yards, and Colt Brennan also ranks among the top 15.
After a contract dispute, Jones moved to SMU in 2008, inheriting a team that had gone 1-11 the previous year. By his second season, he led the Mustangs to their first winning record in 12 years, beginning a revival that eventually returned the program to power conference relevance under Rhett Lashlee 15 years later. Jones earned two Conference USA West division titles during his seven-year tenure at SMU.
Jones remained active in football after leaving SMU, serving as head coach of the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the XFL's Houston Roughnecks, where he went 5-0. He also coordinated offenses in The Spring League and at the high school level in Hawaii. His overall college record stands at 112-84, with a 14-14 mark in the CFL.
Jones was named national coach of the year in 1999 and conference coach of the year three times. In a statement, his Run and Shoot Certification company said: "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. We love you, Coach. Rest in peace."
