Longtime college and pro football coach June Jones, who helped popularize the run-and-shoot offense, has died at 73.
The University of Hawai'i confirmed the death of Jones, who played quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors and later served as an assistant and head coach from 1999 to 2007.
Jones was the Atlanta Falcons' coach from 1994 to 1996 and also led teams at SMU, the CFL's Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the XFL's Houston Roughnecks. He was the Chargers' interim coach for 10 games in 1998.
Jones turned down the chance to remain Chargers coach and returned to Hawai'i, where he became the school's all-time winningest coach with a 76-41 record. He guided Hawai'i to conference titles in 1999 and 2007, when the team started 12-0 and earned its first berth in a BCS bowl (Sugar) behind star quarterback Colt Brennan.
"The 2007 season and making the Sugar Bowl, that went over what anybody ever thought was possible," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a former Hawai'i player and later assistant coach, said in a statement. "I was on the field for the game (against) the University of Washington. We were down 21 points, not once but twice, and still came back to win against a very formidable opponent. That kind of coaching and who he was was very, very special. He leaves an incredible legacy here. June was very special, we will miss him, but his legacy will live on."
At Hawai'i, Jones also coached Timmy Chang, who became the NCAA's all-time passing yards leader and now serves as the program's head coach.
"Words can't express the sorrow I feel today. Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary who revolutionized the game," Chang said in a statement. "He believed in a young kid from Hawai'i and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to run his offense. And his impact didn't stop when my playing days ended. He guided me every step of the way as I transitioned into coaching, always making time to share his wisdom and support me when I took over this program.
"He put Hawai'i football on the map and showed us all what was possible. We lost a true legend today, but I will spend the rest of my career trying to honor his legacy, his passion for this university, and the Aloha he shared with everyone he touched. My deepest condolences go out to his 'ohana and all those who he impacted."
Jones then helped revive SMU's program, leading the Mustangs to four consecutive bowl games, the team's first postseason opportunities since receiving the "death penalty" for NCAA violations in 1987, and consecutive division championships in 2009 and 2010.
"Coach Jones helped restore a winning tradition on the Hilltop," the school said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with his family, friends and the countless players and coaches whose lives he touched."
An Oregon native, Jones finished his college playing career with Portland State, where he was introduced to the run-and-shoot by Mouse Davis, the scheme's innovator. Jones played five seasons for the Falcons and one in the CFL before beginning his coaching career at Hawai'i, overseeing quarterbacks in 1983.
He coached in the USFL and CFL before landing his first NFL job coaching the Houston Oilers' quarterbacks under Jerry Glanville in 1987. Jones later served as Falcons offensive coordinator before taking over as head coach following the 1993 season.