73
FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARADVERTISER.COM
SMU head coach June Jones.
"Personal issues" were cited for June Jones’ abrupt resignation as Southern Methodist University’s football coach today.
The Mustangs are 0-2, having been blanked by Baylor, 45-0, in their opener and losing to North Texas, 43-6, Saturday.
Jones was Hawaii’s winningest coach going 76-41 in nine seasons (1999-2007) at Manoa.
But in seven years rebuilding SMU Jones was 36-43. He led the Mustangs to their first bowl in 25 years in 2009 and three more after that but went 5-7 last year.
Former UH quarterbacks’ coach Dan Morrison, an associate head coach under Jones at SMU, will be co-offensive coordinator for the remainder of the season, SMU said.
"This afternoon, I talked to my staff and players and notified them that I have decided to resign as SMU head football coach effective immediately," Jones said in a statement posted on the SMU website.
"It was a very difficult decision for me to make, as you can imagine. I have devoted my life for the last 50 years to playing and coaching this game and it has been a great journey. This job has a lot of demands, as you know, and along with that journey comes a price that is paid. I have some personal issues I have been dealing with and I need to take a step away so I can address them at this time," Jones said.
Jones’ agent, Leigh Steinberg tweeted, "JUNE JONES RESIGNS SMU COACHING JOB –June had felt for some time he had accomplished mission to turn around program and needed a break."
The Dallas Morning News first reported the resignation based on the #Leighsteinberg tweet.
