Former Hawaii coach June Jones dies at 73

Former University of Hawaii head football coach June Jones died at the age of 73, according to multiple sources on Thursday. His death ends a career defined by a record 76 wins in the modern era of the program.

Jones took the head coaching job in 1999, leading the team to a 9-4 record and a share of the Western Athletic Conference title. That season marked the biggest turnaround in NCAA history and earned him National Coach of the Year honors. He remained at the university through 2007, guiding the squad to two conference championships and six bowl appearances.

The 2007 campaign stands out for its 12-0 regular season record and a subsequent trip to the Allstate Sugar Bowl. His run-and-shoot offense produced record-breaking quarterbacks, including Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan. Jones also developed five All-Americans, 52 all-conference performers, and 16 NFL draft picks.

After leaving Hawaii in 2008, Jones coached at Southern Methodist University until he resigned in 2014. His professional experience included three years in the NFL. He later served as the offensive coordinator at Kapolei High School starting in 2016.

His most recent role was offensive coordinator for the Seattle Sea Dragons. Jones first arrived at the University of Hawaii as a graduate assistant in 1983. Before that, he played quarterback for the university from 1973 to 1974.