Sure the facilities are apparently a disaster. He has no recruiting budget. Teams will not play Hawaii in the non-conference schedule. He doesn't have a contract for next year. It's still being head coach at Hawaii. Wearing Hawaiian shirts and leis on the sidelines, and living in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. June Jones has apparently decided to take the money and challenge.June Jones has resigned as University of Hawai'i head football coach, according to his close friend, Al Souza.Jones is heading to meet with Southern Methodist University officials and boosters today and is expected to be offered the head coaching job and a contract worth between $1.7 and $2 million per year.
Jones resigned this morning, citing among other things a lack of loyalty and commitment from athletic department leaders.
SMU had been the first school to fire its head coach -- in mid-season -- but was the last to make a hire. They rebuffed multiple attempts by former Auburn Coach Terry Bowden who was interested because they thought they could do better. Apparently they have.
As for the letter Jones sent to the University of Hawaii and others to explain his resignation.
The contents are starting to leak to the media.
Here is part of what it says:Hawaii Athletic Director Herman Frazier forced out the longtime basketball coach, Riley Wallace, last season. He drew out the search for his replacement, before finally hiring long time Hawaii assistant and former player Bob Nash. Frazier may be the next to go after this.
"It is been very hard the last few days thinking about the decision to leave a place that I love greatly -- but you and I have talked many times about things that have concerned me -- None of those things that concerned me were addressed in this offer...
I guess all I can say is that the way my contract talks have been handled, is kind of the reason I am tired and why I just need to go. He says it is a generous offer. But, it would have meant a lot to me, had this offer come after the bowl game last year or even before the season -- or had it come to me as late as the Washington game it would have said to me 'thanks June for a job well done'
There would have been no negotiating -- I probably would have signed it and never let it get to this point.
Hawaii will always have my heart and that is why this is so hard for me -- but just the fact I am going to get on that plane to Dallas says it all.
I do not want to go -- believe me -- but it is time to go. Mahalo, June."
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-06-2008 @ 12:29PM
Jimmy G said...
Good news for the Mustangs. There's talent there, but we'll see if June can get some of the talent in Texas to stay in the Dallas area.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:29PM
GUUgalino said...
The next best thing to do now is to get rid of Herman Frazier. Besides waiting too long for last years schedules to finalize, he have waited too long again to offer Coach Jones a contract. He did the same thing for the basketball coach. What is wrong with him? He needs a lot of explaining why he was unable to finalized a contract with Jones. Hawaii needs a new Athletic Director as well. What is so hard about extending a contract to a coach who have done so much for the university and the players. It is a shame it ended like this. I am so happy for Coach Jones to leave for all the reasons he mentioned. Thanks to you Coach Jones for what you did for university and the state of Hawaii.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:29PM
uhfootballgirl said...
From June Jone's Foundation's website: Eō nā toa, eō nā toa e! This is a simple chant that comes with a deeper meaning suitable for any person or group who with others is challenged to respond as would ancient warriors to the call of battle. It literally means "Respond fellow warriors, respond with one heart to the challenges that lie ahead of us."
Let's respond and do something asap. Can't we do a march or some public demonstration showing our support for JJ that will get media attention so he sees it?? We need to act fast and do our part!!! Any other ideas??? Warriors, let's respond!!!!
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:30PM
GY said...
So much for loyalty and the "aloha" spirit. You go where the money is at. Colt is leaving and so is Bess - why stay? Right? Jones may as well leave too. Wonder what the fan base is going to be like next year - are they going to have the following they had this year or will it collapse? June knows he probably can't take another Hawaii team to a BCS Bowl so ditch the program and start all over. They did fine with what they had this year. What would make next year any different. By the way, Hawaii should do some travelling to play the big confrences if they want to show off what they have.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:30PM
Derrick K. Cosier said...
As a life long supporter of UH football, it saddens me it has to end like this. Coach Jones has done a wonderful job with this program. He has led us to heights we never reached before, and probably won't again. Now to the "guts" of the problem.
It's not because Colt Brennan is done or Devone Bess is heading to the NFL, Coach Jones still has a good nucleus to continue improving the program. The root of the problem is not even Herman Frazier, our AD at UH who will probably lose his job after this debacle, the problem lays with our State administration. We live in a State led by personalities whose committments and priorities are elsewhere, not on the football field. We will never enjoy any long lasting success in any sport at UH as long as we keep voting in the same old politicians who have been running this State for the last 50 years. I blame them for this. Look at other schools around the mainland who are growing in success and playing with the "big boys" - Fresno State, Boise State, Rutgers, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and a whole list of schools who just a few years ago would get "romped". But now, they have the support of their State and fan base to go out and spend the money on recruiting the best, providing first-class facilities, paying their coaches accordingly, and so on. They get it! We still don't! We will continue to travel down the road to "almostville", and it is getting tiring!
Good Luck Coach Jones, wherever you end up. It will certainly be a better place than this.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:31PM
nickstoli said...
Answer for Hawaii is simple: Norm Chow. It will be an IMPROVEMENT over Jones.
Chow's offense is a helluva lot more balanced than Jones pass only crappola.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:31PM
kim staley said...
ever wonder why norm chow has never been hired as head coach? big big skeletons in his closet
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 12:32PM
aquavelvaman said...
My dear Hawaii fans. Please understand that you will never ever recieve another BCS bid. After the team you fielded against Georgia, you have used up all your BCS privilidges.
If indeed, Jones was disrespected, then that is a separate issue, and maybe he did run for the money. And, rightfully so. With all due respect, you should probably revert back to the days of just being a good place to come to play an away-game.
The blunt reailty of the matter is the team, the best ever presented by the university, could not even compete, much less strive, in the SEC or PAC 10.
Take a nap, wakeup tomorrow, and feel better about your place in the food chain of college football.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 1:46PM
Dee said...
To my dear friend Aquavelvaman... that was a stupid and passive agressive post. How illogical can you be? From your analysis, Illinos, Oklahoma and Arkansas will never receive another BCS bid because of their one performance in their last games either. How idiotic can you be? Take a tranquilizer and go post your same rhetoric on Arkansas, Oklahomas and Illinois websites and stay off Hawaii.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 1:47PM
Dee said...
The athletic director and President of the university of Hawaii should be fired immediately. June Jones brought the entire state of Hawaii to another level with pride in our team, its multicultural makeup and did it with almost nothing. So, no waiting, no excuses, just fire those guy right now! Coach Jones this entire year talked about the abysmal training facilities, his office situation and was never even extended a contract after the greatest year in Hawaii football. How sad a situation and how stupid can the university administration be? If they operate this way in their daily administrative duties, UH must be falling apart anyway!
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 3:37PM
vidstudent said...
First, one must wish June Jones well. He cares about football and his players.
Now, to Hawaii...the entire state. ESPN.com had a story mentioning that June Jones was the highest paid public official in the state. He still was coming in under $1 million per year - chump change for good head coaches of Division 1-A (FBS) teams. You have an economic problem, and the poster above that's asking for the heads of congressmen and senators probably isn't that far off. I mean, seriously, you're the tourist destination du jour, and you can't get enough tax money to pay for facilities to match the beauty of the islands you're made up of? I would call for the athletic director of Hawaii to step down, except I wouldn't be surprised if he can't make a deal because he lacks income for a budget forecast. There needs to be firings, but I can't say anyone on the state's payroll is making more than they should for their work.
To Hawaii University: I wish you good luck finding a replacement. I further wish you good luck remaining in the WAC. My recommendation, given your lack of resources, would be to drop a half or whole division. We're not even going to discuss the fact that you can't afford a head coach. Your facilities fail, you know this, and I fear you can't afford anything new here, either. You need to advertise your university. You need to remind some people that their education comes with the sun, weather, and culture Hawaii offers. It's your asset. Marketing is the only way you're going to see an improvement, becuase you can't afford improvement otherwise. Again, good luck.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 5:29PM
aquavelvaman said...
Dee, Dee, Dee....That is not a just comparison. Illinois, Oklahoma and Arkansas have been competing for years --- and at times, excelled. They did so by playing in a competitive conference and by not consuming a steady diet of the Little Sisters of the Poor (eg: Hawaii's schedule). For those schools to have a bad bowl game is nothing more than ----- well, having a bad bowl game.
Hawaii was touting that they were The Real Deal! That they deserve to be considered for the BCS title, when they have a good year. By their performance, they simply showed that even at the peak of their "game," they are nothing more than a weak practice squad for the good teams. (In college, we called a team like that the Brown Team)
The point I was politely making is --- that nothing has changed. Now --- you might need a Xanax with that nap. THEN, you'll feel better.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 8:48PM
Dee said...
yeah...you are so right, aquavelvaman, Hawaii never plays any quality teams. Let's see, last year, in 2006, Hawaii played Arizona State (dismantled them in a bowl game), Oregon State, Boise State and Alabama...along with the entire WAC schedule. Finished 11 - 3. This year Hawaii finished 12 -1 even though they played a poor game against Georgia in New Orleans (even the sports announcers said this was a home game for Georgia). I don't know your home team, but have them come to Hawaii for a visit as we can't get anyone power conference teams to come to Hawaii. Wonder why???? LOL! This year Michigan State and Michigan both chickened out of playing Hawaii even at home. You are from another age...as your screen name indicates.
Reply
1-06-2008 @ 11:13PM
Hawai'iExPat said...
1. It's idiotic to say that because a great UGA team trounced UH in its first BCS, UH is forever relegated to lesser status and no respect. (In the pro ranks, think about all the blow out Super Bowls. One game doesn't define anyone) If they put together a season like this again with regular season wins against ranked foes, then they will have damn well earned another shot. There was a time when KU, Colorado, Rutgers, WVU, Oregon, and others were perennial doormats. No more. With parity, good coaching, keeping in-state recruits and bringing good one's in, a team can rise.
2. Losing Jones will hurt this year's recruiting and kill the momentum they started. Hire a Norm Chow or Steve Sarkesian and maybe UH gets back on track quicker.
3. Colt was great. Will always be remembered fondly. But Tyler Graunke will be just fine. You saw a glimpse at the Sugar Bowl.
4. UGA is going to be awesome in 2008. The Sugar Bowl didn't prove UH is bad. It proved UGA is great.
Reply
1-07-2008 @ 12:58AM
Dee said...
Well said, Hawaii Expat....What June Jones did in Hawaii is a thing of legend. He came to Hawaii and led a perrenial doormat team to national prominence. With almost no recruiting budget and most of the team from Hawaii and Polynesia plus some kids nobody wanted, Jones built a team into a nationally recognized power. But even more than that, he gave those kids a dream along with character he instilled by his example. Because of Jones, they will continue to grow and learn. So...whatever Coach Jones decides about SMU or Hawaii, it will be ok. Because no matter where he ends up, he will have something of value to give to the kids he coaches. Here in Hawaii, June Jones energized first his teams, then the fans and finally the entire state of Hawaii. Congratulations on a great year!
Reply
1-07-2008 @ 12:59AM
K. Nicol said...
Having been a loyal and devout supporter of UH Football for ions, it saddens me to see Coach Jones leave. I wish him well. I clearly remember when fans at the old Honolulu Stadium were offered free seats after local high school rivals Farrington and McKinley drew 26,000 + fans to watch the then "Rainbows" play San Jose in water a foot deep.
Building this sport to this level has taken much energy, time and expenses. We have been fortunate. In the stride, we have had our fair share of excellent NFL standouts through the hard work and effort of our fine coaches since the hey-day, Coach Dave Holmes, Coach Larry Price, Coach Dick Tomey, Coach Bob Wagner and all their supporting staff. Coach June Jones did an excellent job and he brought hope/hype and excitement to all those from Hilo to Hanalei in every season. The biggest "Mahalo" goes to all the loyal fans and businesses that have stood by Coach Jones and the Best Team Hawaii has ever seen! Good luck Coach Jones, MAHALO!
Ken E. NIcol
Reply
1-07-2008 @ 10:57AM
drmofgenie said...
Nobody is saying that one bowl game blowout makes Hawaii a lesser team. We are saying that they DO NOT belong in the ranks of the power teams and the ranked teams like the SEC. The Sugar Bowl proved it. You can call it any way you want... loud venue, a bad day, home game for Georgia, whatever... the point is Hawaii played a bunch of nobodies on their schedule and racked up an impressive record over weak teams. Simple fact. It was proved in their dismal showing in the Sugar Bowl. I am sorry June Jones is leaving, but my guess is he realizes Hawaii will never be BCS material.
Reply
1-07-2008 @ 10:57AM
aquavelvaman said...
Thanks DoctorMo. That's what I was trying to say, Dee! The good doctor is just nicer than me. There's nothing wrong with H's status in college football. It's just not where you guys want it to be. I'm a South Carolina fan, for Heavnen's sakes! Talk about not being where you want it to be! If Spurrier fails, we're thinking about digging up Knute Rockne and propping him up on the sideline.
And yes, I am old. 55 today, in fact! But, you are telling your age if you remember that theres "something about an Aquavelvaman............ Peace out, Big A.
Reply
1-07-2008 @ 10:59AM
Dee said...
Aqua.. What is idiotic about your statement is that" Hawaii will never ever receive another BCS bowl bid". If Hawaii were to go unbeaten next year or the next year, they would again receive a BCS bowl bid plain and simple. And nothing you can say or do will change that. Simple, isn't it. Aloha to you...
Reply
1-07-2008 @ 2:38PM
RC said...
To poster number 7 and others of that ilk. It is ludicrous that the conferences not from the East coast( my definition of East coast is all schools east of the Missippi) are by default supposed to "TRAVEL" to the NCAA schools in the east but God forbid not on a reciprical basis. ESPN decides who the national matchups will be not the NCAA and the BCS isn't about getting the best team in the Championship it is about getting the teams who will provide the most revenue for New York based companies. My take is return the control to the schools and take it from ESPN and the major marketing interests. There should be an equal chance for every school in the NCAA to play home and away games and opponents. Utah, Boise State, Hawaii,Airforce and even schools in the PAC 10 don't get consideration nor the chance to play these supposed top schools on home turf during the season. Let's see all the east coast teams have to travel outside their domains. When was the last time you saw an SEC, ACC, Big 12, Big Ten - except Wisconsin - which takes on lowly UNLV in Vegas; travel to these schools and risk losing millions of dollars with a loss...hmmmm If it walks like a duck, sounds like a duck and looks like a duck...it probably is a duck and a damned biased one at that. OK, I'll get off the cross because someone else probably needs the wood..
Reply