Legendary American football coach June Jones died on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the age of 73, bringing an end to a remarkable career that influenced college football and the NFL for more than four decades.
The June Jones death was announced by Run & Shoot Certification, a coaching organization associated with the offensive system he helped popularize. Jones had reportedly entered hospice care following a battle with a spinal tumor, although an official cause of death has not been confirmed.
His passing marks a significant loss for the football community, particularly in Hawaii, where he transformed a struggling university program into a nationally recognized contender. footballscoop.com
June Jones Death Comes After Reported Health Battle
Jones had reportedly been dealing with serious health complications before his death. Reports indicated that he entered hospice care after battling a tumor affecting his spine.
Run & Shoot Certification confirmed his passing through a social media announcement that recognized his contributions to football and the many people whose careers he influenced.
The organization emphasized that his greatest achievements extended beyond victories and championships to the opportunities he created for players and coaches.
Born February 19, 1953, in Portland, Oregon, Jones spent much of his life involved in professional and collegiate football.Before becoming a coach, he played quarterback at Oregon, Hawaii and Portland State. He later joined the Atlanta Falcons in 1977 and played five seasons with the franchise.
His playing experience eventually became the foundation for a coaching career that would take him across several football leagues.
How June Jones Transformed Hawaii and SMU Football
Jones became head coach at the University of Hawaii in 1999, inheriting a program that had finished the previous season without a victory.His impact was immediate.
Hawaii improved from 0 wins in 1998 to a 9 and 4 record in 1999, completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history.
Over nine seasons, Jones recorded 76 victories, becoming Hawaii’s winningest coach in the modern era.His greatest achievement came during the 2007 season when quarterback Colt Brennan helped lead Hawaii to a perfect 12 and 0 regular season.
The Rainbow Warriors earned a Sugar Bowl appearance against Georgia, although they ultimately lost 41 to 10.Jones departed for Southern Methodist University in 2008, taking responsibility for rebuilding another struggling football program.
At SMU, he ended a 25 year bowl drought and guided the Mustangs to four consecutive bowl appearances before resigning in September 2014. University of Hawai’i at Manoa Athletics+2
June Jones Leaves a Lasting Legacy Across Football
Beyond college football, Jones served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994 through 1996 and briefly led the San Diego Chargers in 1998.
He also coached the Hamilton Tiger Cats in Canada and the Houston Roughnecks during the XFL’s 2020 season.His final major professional coaching assignment came with the Seattle Sea Dragons in 2023, where he worked as offensive coordinator.
Jones became especially respected for his expertise in the run and shoot offense, a passing system emphasizing receiver movement, defensive recognition and quick decisions.
His influence extended to quarterbacks, assistant coaches and younger players who adopted elements of his offensive philosophy.
In 2024, Hawaii inducted Jones into its Sports Circle of Honor, recognizing his extraordinary contribution to the university.His death closes an important chapter in football history, but his coaching methods and accomplishments remain part of the sport’s enduring legacy.