June Jones dies at 73: Remembering the former NFL coach and Hawaii legend

Football is saying goodbye to a familiar name. June Jones, the former Hawaii and SMU head coach and ex-NFL quarterback, has reportedly died at the age of 73. June Jones was more than just a football coach. He was also a former NFL player who spent years learning, playing and teaching the sport. His Run and Shoot Certification program announced the sad news, leaving football fans remembering a coach who gave so much to the game. However, his cause of death has not been confirmed.June Jones’ legacy and the Hawaii run that made him famousJones played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons from 1977 to 1981. He later returned to the team as a coach and eventually became its head coach. He also worked with other NFL teams, including the Houston Oilers, Detroit Lions and San Diego Chargers. But while Jones had a long connection with the NFL, his biggest coaching moments came in college football.Jones became a fan favorite during his time with the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors. He took over the team in 1999 and helped turn it into a team that fans across the country wanted to watch. His biggest moment came in 2007.Hawaii finished the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record. The team was led by quarterback Colt Brennan, who became one of college football's biggest stars. Jones and his players reached the Sugar Bowl, giving Hawaii a special moment in its football history. The team eventually lost to Georgia, but that did not take away from what Jones and his players had achieved. For Hawaii fans, that season will always be remembered as something special.Jones later coached SMU, where he worked to help rebuild the football program. He was also known for his Run and Shoot offense, a style that gave quarterbacks and receivers more freedom to make plays. His football journey also included coaching jobs in other professional leagues.Over the years, he helped many players grow and gave young athletes a chance to show what they could do. June Jones leaves behind a football legacy built on bold ideas, big games and years of hard work. He helped put Hawaii football in the national spotlight and gave fans a season they will never forget. For the players who worked with him and the fans who cheered for his teams, his impact went beyond wins and losses. Football may remember the records, but many fans will remember the excitement he brought to the game.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.