June Jones has relinquished his title as head coach of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, but will remain with the Canadian Football League team as associate head coach and offensive coordinator.

Orlanado Steinauer has been promoted from associate head coach to head coach.

Jones, who was the University of Hawaii’s head coach for nine seasons, said he initiated the move to enable the Tiger-Cats to keep Steinauer. Two CFL teams expressed interest in hiring Steinauer, who joined the Tiger-Cats as associate head coach this past season.

Jones said he decided to meet with Hamilton’s owner and president after Steinauer began receiving overtures from CFL teams. Jones recalled saying: “If you don’t want to lose him, make (Steinauer) the head coach and I’ll run the offense. I’ve been there, done that. I don’t need all that other stuff.”

Jones added: “They couldn’t believe I offered that to them. We got that done.”

In a recent news conference, Steinauer told reporters: “For June to make the suggestion to step aside speaks volumes for him. To be able to retain him on this staff is an amazing thing for me.”

Steinauer also might oversee the Tiger-Cats’ defense. Jerry Glanville announced he would not return as defensive coordinator because of a family illness. Glanville has served as head coach of the Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons. He also was UH’s defensive coordinator in 2005 and 2006.