Football Coaching: June Jones Dies at 73

June Jones, a quarterback who turned around struggling college programs and spent decades teaching the run-and-shoot offense, died Thursday, Oct. 29, in Oregon at age 73. The University of Hawaii confirmed the death, though an official cause has not yet been publicly announced.

Born in Portland, Oregon, Jones played football, basketball, and baseball at Grant High School. He began his college career at the University of Oregon and the University of Hawaii before transferring to Portland State. There, coach Mouse Davis introduced him to the aggressive run-and-shoot passing attack that defined his later coaching style.

Jones played in the National Football League from 1977 to 1981 with the Atlanta Falcons, serving primarily as a backup to Steve Bartkowski. He made five NFL starts during that period. In 1982, he played for the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League.

His coaching career included stints as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996 and interim head coach of the San Diego Chargers in 1998. He also coached the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the CFL.

The University of Hawaii hired Jones in 1999 following an 0-12 season. He immediately improved the team, guiding them to a 9-4 record and an Oahu Bowl victory. He later coached Southern Methodist University from 2008 to 2014. SMU noted that Jones led the Mustangs to their first bowl appearance in 25 years and four consecutive bowl games.

Smith's influence extended beyond his head coaching roles through his Run and Shoot Certification company. The university said his thoughts were with his family, friends, and the players and coaches whose lives he touched.