June Jones Obituary, Cause of Death – Legendary Football Coach Who Led Hawai‘i to Historic Sugar Bowl Appearance Dies at 73
Remembering June Jones
The football community is mourning the loss of longtime college and professional football coach June Jones, who has died at the age of 73. Remembered for his innovative approach to the game and his influence on generations of players, Jones built a distinguished coaching career across college football, the NFL, Canadian football and the XFL.
The University of Hawai‘i confirmed his death, prompting tributes from former players, university officials and public figures who recognized his contributions to the sport.
Jones was particularly celebrated for helping popularize the run-and-shoot offense, an innovative passing system that became closely associated with his coaching career. His work at the University of Hawai‘i made him one of the most influential figures in the program's history.
June Jones' Career as a Football Coach
Jones built a coaching career that spanned several decades and multiple levels of professional and college football.
He served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996 after previously working as the team's offensive coordinator. He also spent time with the San Diego Chargers, serving as interim head coach for 10 games in 1998.
His coaching journey included stops with the University of Hawai‘i, Southern Methodist University (SMU), the Canadian Football League's Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the XFL's Houston Roughnecks.
Before becoming a coach, Jones played quarterback. He began his college career at the University of Hawai‘i before completing his playing years at Portland State University. It was at Portland State that he became familiar with the run-and-shoot system under coach Mouse Davis, who developed the offensive scheme.
That experience helped shape the coaching philosophy he would later bring to teams throughout his career.
June Jones' Historic Legacy at the University of Hawai‘i
Jones' connection with the University of Hawai‘i was among the defining parts of his football career. He played for the Rainbow Warriors and later returned to coach the program, serving as an assistant and eventually head coach from 1999 to 2007.
During his time as head coach, Jones compiled a 76-41 record, becoming the winningest coach in the school's history. He guided the Rainbow Warriors to conference championships in 1999 and 2007.
His 2007 team achieved a historic milestone by opening the season with 12 consecutive victories and earning the program's first-ever Bowl Championship Series (BCS) bowl appearance. Hawai‘i went on to play in the Sugar Bowl, where it faced Georgia.
The season helped place Hawai‘i football on a national stage and remains one of the most celebrated periods in the program's history.
Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a former Hawai‘i player and assistant coach, praised Jones for his leadership and the lasting impact he made on the university and the community.
Remembering June Jones Through His Players
Jones' influence extended beyond wins, championships and offensive strategies. He was also remembered as a mentor who helped players develop their abilities and pursue opportunities in football.
One of the most notable players he coached was Timmy Chang, who became the NCAA's all-time passing yards leader during his playing career and later returned to lead the Rainbow Warriors as head coach.
Chang described Jones as a father figure, mentor and visionary who believed in him when he was a young quarterback. He also credited Jones with supporting his transition from playing to coaching and helping guide him when he took over the Hawai‘i program.
Chang's tribute reflected the personal relationships Jones developed with players and the influence he continued to have long after their playing careers ended.
June Jones and the Revival of SMU Football
After leaving Hawai‘i, Jones took on the challenge of rebuilding the football program at Southern Methodist University.
He helped restore the Mustangs' competitiveness, guiding the team to four consecutive bowl appearances. These were SMU's first postseason opportunities since the NCAA imposed the so-called death penalty in 1987 following major violations.
Under Jones, SMU also captured consecutive division championships in 2009 and 2010.
The university recognized his role in restoring a winning tradition and paid tribute to the impact he had on players, coaches and the broader football community.
June Jones Cause of Death: What Is Known?
The University of Hawai‘i confirmed June Jones' death at the age of 73. However, the information provided for this article does not identify a specific cause of death.
No particular illness, medical condition or other circumstance should be attributed to his passing without confirmation from his family or an authoritative source.
As tributes continue, the focus remains on remembering his remarkable coaching career, his influence on the run-and-shoot offense and the many players whose lives he helped shape.
Tributes From Hawai‘i Leaders and the Football Community
News of Jones' death prompted tributes from people across Hawai‘i, including Governor Josh Green and Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi.
Governor Green described Jones as an exceptional human being, recognizing his ability to motivate young people and bring Hawai‘i football into the national spotlight.
Blangiardi reflected on the historic 2007 season and the significance of the team's Sugar Bowl appearance. His remarks highlighted Jones' coaching ability and the legacy he established within the state.
These tributes demonstrate the lasting connection Jones built with Hawai‘i and the many people who viewed him as more than a football coach.
June Jones Obituary Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | June Jones |
| Age | 73 |
| Profession | Football coach and former quarterback |
| Known for | Popularizing the run-and-shoot offense |
| University connection | University of Hawai‘i |
| Hawai‘i head coach | 1999–2007 |
| Hawai‘i coaching record | 76-41 |
| Other teams coached | Atlanta Falcons, SMU, Hamilton Tiger-Cats, Houston Roughnecks |
| NFL experience | Atlanta Falcons head coach; Chargers interim coach |
| Notable achievement | Led Hawai‘i to its first BCS bowl appearance in 2007 |
| Cause of death | Not disclosed in the supplied report |
June Jones leaves behind a significant legacy in football. From his playing days at Hawai‘i and Portland State to his coaching achievements in the NFL, CFL and college football, he helped shape the careers of countless athletes and influenced how the game was played.
His historic work with the Rainbow Warriors, particularly the remarkable 2007 season, will remain an important part of Hawai‘i football history. He will be remembered for his offensive innovation, leadership and dedication to developing young players.
Information Disclaimer: This article is based on the information supplied, including the University of Hawai‘i's confirmation of Jones' death and the tributes attributed to public figures and former players. The specific cause of death was not stated in the supplied report and has not been independently confirmed.
