June Jones, the coach who helped make the run and shoot offense a force in college football, has died at 73.
His career stretched across multiple levels and stops, including the Atlanta Falcons, the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors’ explosive attack led by Colt Brennan, the SMU Mustangs and the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks.
The cause of death has not been officially reported.
News of Jones’ death spread through several social media accounts, among them the X account for Run & Shoot Certification, the coaching clinic built around his record-setting system.
“We mourn the passing of the legendary June Jones. June’s greatest legacy wasn’t the records, championships, or the offense,” the Run & Shoot Certification account wrote on X.
“It was the people he believed in, the opportunities he gave, and the lives he forever changed.”
Tributes kept coming online throughout the day. Coach Dan Casey described Jones as “A pioneer of Offensive Football,” and added that the run and shoot “fundamentally changed the way the Pass Game is taught. It gave QB’s & WR’s the freedom to adjust routes and find space.”
Casey also wrote, “I’ll never forget staying up until 2am EST watching his Hawaii teams score 60+… pic.twitter.com/dYN0xPc0VP”
Warrior All Access said, “We are saddened to hear the passing of legendary #HawaiiFB Coach June Jones today.”
The account added, “He is UH’s winningest head coach with 76 wins, the master in the Run and Shoot Offense and a great mentor and teacher of the game.”
It also said, “Coach Jones was 73 years old. Rest in Aloha. pic.twitter.com/rNfnbvks9Y”
Rich Phillips also paid tribute on X, writing, “Sad to hear about the passing of June Jones today. A pioneer in offensive football.
His days with @SMUFB were awesome as he returned the Mustangs to their first bowl game in 25 years. Always loved talking football with June. https://t.co/AnVw730yhf”
Run & Shoot Certification closed its tribute by saying, “Our deepest condolences go out to Jones’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.”
In Other News...
Oregon State Faces A Road Test Their Coaches Clearly Respect
Oregon States coaches spent part of the week sounding a clear note of respect for the challenge waiting in Fresno, where the Beavers will be tested by a team that has given them plenty to think about on both sides of the ball. Head coach JaMarcus Shephard and defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre both pointed to the need for cleaner offensive execution and better defensive control, with the matchup shaping up as one that could demand sharper play from Oregon State than it has shown at times.
MacIntyres emphasis on containing Fresno States quarterback and receivers underscored how quickly this game could get away from a defense if it loses discipline in space, while offensive coordinator Mitch Dahlen added another layer by leaning on his own past coaching experience at Fresno State. He also helped set the scene for what should be a lively game environment, which only adds to the sense that Oregon State is heading into a road test its staff is taking seriously for good reason. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State Suddenly Has Two Major Availability Concerns For Iowa State
Oklahoma State heads into its matchup with Iowa State with a pair of availability questions hanging over the offense, and both stem from what happened in last weeks lopsided win over Colorado. Quinton Hammonds is listed as questionable, while starting tight end Carson Kolb has already been ruled out, leaving the Cowboys to sort through a thinner game plan than they would prefer this early in the week.
Coach Eric Morris said he is hopeful Hammonds can make it back, but the availability report still leaves room for concern beyond those two names. Landon Dean and Dayvon Standard are also listed as questionable, so Oklahoma State is waiting on several fronts as it prepares for one of its more important Big 12 tests. [Read more 🡒]
Jesse Legree Just Gave Oregon State Fans A Reason To Dream Bigger
Jesse Legree gave Oregon State another jolt of optimism this week when he made his latest commitment public during a ceremony at his former high school. The move drew praise from coach JaMarcus Shephard, who pointed to Legrees buy-in as the kind of sign that can steady a program, reinforce its culture and help the Beavers sell a bigger vision to future recruits.
For Oregon State, the timing matters as much as the message. The Beavers are still navigating a Pac-12 season with broader questions hanging over the roster, including contract discussions with quarterback Braden Atkinson, so every public sign of stability carries extra weight. Legrees return gives the staff something tangible to build around, even as the bigger picture remains in motion. [Read more 🡒]