June Jones, pioneer of run-and-shoot offense, dies at 73

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 03:39 · Archive

June Jones, the former NFL and college football coach who helped pioneer the run-and-shoot offense, has died at 73. He entered hospice care two weeks ago after dealing with health issues earlier this year, according to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Jones was a former quarterback who played college football at Hawaii, Portland State and Oregon before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons. He spent four seasons with the Falcons from 1977 to 1981, appearing in 17 games and making five starts.

After his playing career, Jones moved into coaching. He served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 to 1996. He also served as interim head coach of the San Diego Chargers in 1998 before taking the head coaching job at the University of Hawaii.

Jones spent nine seasons at Hawaii from 1999 to 2007, where he became best remembered for his work. He won 76 games, including six bowl game appearances and two Western Athletic Conference titles. During his final season, Hawaii went 12-0 in the regular season before losing to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. Quarterback Colt Brennan was named a Heisman finalist in 2006 while playing under Jones.

The Atlanta Falcons released a statement mourning his passing. 'We mourn the passing of former head coach June Jones,' the team said. 'A visionary in the passing game, Coach Jones will be remembered with gratitude for his contributions to our organization and the lasting impact he made on those he coached and mentored.' The University of Hawaii also paid tribute, calling him 'a leader, coach, mentor and innovator who helped bring Hawai'i Football to unprecedented heights.' Current Hawaii head coach Timmy Chang, who became the NCAA's all-time passing yards leader under Jones, said 'words can't express the sorrow' he felt at his old coach's passing.

How it is being reported

• June Jones, former Hawai'i and Atlanta Falcons head coach, dead at 73June Jones, who help led Hawai'i to its first-ever BCS Bowl appearance among more coaching accolades, has died at the age of 73 on Thursday.Fox News · 30 Oct, 02:12
• College football coaching great June Jones dead at 73Longtime football coach June Jones passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday.New York Post · 29 Oct, 21:26
• Legendary Atlanta Falcons head coach June Jones dead at 73: Team pays tribute to 'visionary' after spell in hospice careJune Jones, the former NFL and college football coach who helped pioneer the run-and-shoot offense, has died at 73. He had been in hospice care for the last two weeks.Daily Mail Sport · 29 Oct, 20:37

In this story: June Jones · Atlanta Falcons · University of Hawaii · San Diego Chargers · Colt Brennan · Timmy Chang · Georgia

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log