June Jones, longtime Hawaii coach, dies at 73

June Jones, the coach who led Hawaii football through its most successful stretch and helped popularize the run-and-shoot offense, has died at 73. The University of Hawaii and the Run Shoot Certification program announced his death on October 29, 2026. The program’s announcement did not provide further details about the circumstances. Hawaii described Jones as a leader, coach, mentor and innovator who helped the program reach unprecedented heights. Head coach Timmy Chang said Jones had made a deep impact on people in the football community. The Atlanta Falcons, where Jones played and later coached, also paid tribute to him, recognizing his influence on the passing game. Jones coached Hawaii from 1999 to 2007, compiling a 76-41 record across nine seasons. He took over after the team had gone winless in 1998 and led it to a 9-4 record the following season, winning a bowl game against Oregon State. His teams reached six bowl games and won two Western Athletic Conference titles. In his final season, Hawaii went 12-0 in the regular season, captured the WAC title and earned a place in the Sugar Bowl in January 2008. The team lost to Georgia. Jones’s Hawaii teams included...