Football World Remembers June Jones: Tributes Pour In for Legendary Hawai‘i Coach
The football community is mourning the loss of legendary coach June Jones, whose impact on the University of Hawai‘i and the game of football extended far beyond the sidelines.
Jones, who died at the age of 73, transformed the Rainbow Warrior football program after taking over in 1999, leading Hawai‘i to 76 victories over nine seasons and becoming the winningest head coach in the program’s modern era.
Known for his innovative Run and Shoot offense, Jones helped put Hawai‘i football on the national stage, developing record-setting quarterbacks and leading the Warriors to an undefeated regular season in 2007 and a historic appearance in the Sugar Bowl.
But beyond the wins, records and unforgettable moments at Aloha Stadium, Jones leaves behind a legacy defined by the players he mentored, the opportunities he created and the lives he touched.
From former players and coaching colleagues to those who grew up watching his teams, the football community is sharing memories of a coach whose influence reached far beyond the game.
Below are some of the reactions and tributes honoring Coach June Jones.
Current Hawai‘i head coach Timmy Chang, who played quarterback under Jones and later began his collegiate coaching career with his mentor at SMU, became emotional while reflecting on the loss.
An emotional Timmy Chang reflects on the passing of one of his mentors, former #HawaiiFB quarterback and head coach June Jones. Chang played five seasons for Jones and set the NCAA passing record under him. Jones also gave Chang his start in collegiate coaching as a GA at SMU. https://t.co/qSML7IrfUj
— Christian Shimabuku (@c_shimabuku) October 29, 2026
“He taught me a lot about life.” #HawaiiFB associate head coach Chris Brown was the first ever signee in June Jones’ initial 1999 recruiting class. Jones passed away at the age of 73 on Thursday morning. https://t.co/Rveo5bxjGQ
— Christian Shimabuku (@c_shimabuku) October 29, 2026
Thank you Coach Jones for giving a kid from Oakland a second chance at not only football, but life! Forever grateful! Rest up my man! 🙏🏾🤙🏾❤️ https://t.co/rYs3Mhb4FU
— Davone Bess (@davonebess15) October 30, 2026
The Polynesian Football Hall of Fame remembered Jones not only for his accomplishments on the field, but also for his commitment to creating opportunities for Polynesian athletes and future generations.
Today, we lost a giant. There was no greater friend to Hawai‘i and the Polynesian people than the legendary Coach JUNE JONES. June was far more than a football coach. He was a visionary, a trailblazer, and a tireless champion for the people of Hawai‘i and Polynesia. His impact extended far beyond the football field, opening doors, changing lives, and inspiring generations of young Polynesian athletes to dream big. His generosity, loyalty, and unwavering aloha were unmatched. As a founding board member of the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame and one of the driving forces behind the creation of the adidas Polynesian Bowl, June played an instrumental role in celebrating Polynesian football excellence and creating opportunities for future generations. His legacy will live on forever, not only through his remarkable accomplishments, but in the countless lives he touched, the opportunities he created, and the love he had for the Polynesian people. Rest in aloha, Coach. You were truly one of a kind, and we will never forget you. 🤙🌴❤️
— Polynesian Football (@PolynesianFBHOF) October 29, 2026
Former Hawai‘i assistant coach Jeff Reinebold shared a deeply personal tribute, remembering Jones as a friend and mentor who believed in second chances.
LOST A FRIEND TODAY, A MENTOR, A MAN WHO BELIEVED IN SECOND CHANCES, IMPERFECTLY PERFECT, ONCE DESCRIBED AS A COLLECTOR OF STRAY CATS (I AM ONE OF THOSE STRAYS!) GENEROUS AND ALSO BRILLIANT A LOVER OF HAWAI'I - DID MUCH FOR MANY AND NEVER WANTED THE CREDIT - I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU JUNE JONES AND ARE ETERNALLY GRATEFUL FOR ALL YOU DID FOR MY FAMILY! REST IN ALOHA JUNER! https://t.co/ts4Dh9gzHq
— Jeff Reinebold (@Jeff_Reinebold) October 29, 2026
June Jones led this fan to fall in love with Hawai‘i football when I first moved here in 2006. He showed us all what’s possible and set the standard for excellence we will forever pursue. More importantly, he profoundly impacted the lives of his players. Mahalo Coach.
— Matt Elliott (@UHAthletics_AD) October 29, 2026
Im sure the next shooting star I see will be the angels running 60Z Go. Mahalo Coach, for bringing us all together.
— Nick Rolovich (@NickRolovich) October 29, 2026
Hawai‘i native and former NFL defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko reflected on Jones’ role in elevating the Rainbow Warrior football program to the national stage.
Rest in peace Legend!! You took Hawaii Football to a national stage that won’t ever be replicated. Thank you Coach June jones!! @CoachJuneJones https://t.co/bocsoxGISt
— Breiden Fehoko (@BreidenFehoko) October 29, 2026
Rest in peace, June Jones. A pioneer of Offensive Football. The Run & Shoot fundamentally changed the way the Pass Game is taught. It gave QB’s & WR’s the freedom to adjust routes and find space. I’ll never forget staying up until 2am EST watching his Hawaii teams score 60+ Legend.
— Coach Dan Casey (@CoachDanCasey) October 29, 2026
Longtime Hawai‘i sportscaster Kanoa Leahey remembered Jones as a confident and intentional leader who brought unforgettable moments to the islands.
Some really sad news this morning about the passing of June Jones. I will remember him as the most confident and intentional man I've ever met. He took Hawaii football to glorious heights and provided joy for so many. I'll miss him and send my deepest sympathies to his family.
— Kanoa Leahey (@KanoaLeahey) October 29, 2026
June Jones is the reason I'm a @HawaiiFootball fan. He is the reason why I irrational love for a style of offense that throws the ball 70-80-90 times a game. He made me into the college football fan you see today lol.
— Travis Scarangello (@ElChibo) October 29, 2026
We are saddened to hear the passing of legendary #HawaiiFB Coach June Jones today. 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. Coach Jones was 73 years old. Rest in Aloha. https://t.co/rNfnbvks9Y
— Warrior All Access (@WarriorAccess) October 29, 2026
We mourn the passing of the legendary June Jones. June’s greatest legacy wasn’t the records, championships, or the offense. It was the people he believed in, the opportunities he gave, and the lives he forever changed. https://t.co/p6KpkEhXX6
— Run & Shoot Certification (@RunAndShootCert) October 29, 2026
Prominent sports agent Leigh Steinberg also joined those paying tribute to the legendary coach.
This collection will be updated as more tributes and memories of Coach June Jones are shared.
HAWAI’I FOOTBALL COVERAGE ON HSRN IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY
Hawai’i take to road trying to continue strong conference start
HONOLULU – Get the fire extinguisher, the ‘Bows are blazing through the schedule again. More than midway through the 2026 campaign, the University of Hawai’i women’s soccer team has pieced together a pair of three-game win streaks and stands tied...
Kapolei upsets top-ranked Mililani to claim top spot in the OIA, 25-7
KAPOLEI — If the state of Hawai‘i wasn’t already prepared, it knows now — watch out for the Hurricanes. Kapolei handed top-ranked Mililani its first loss of the season with a 25-7 win Saturday night in an OIA Open Division contest at Alvin...
Win streak hits six as Hawai’i swiftly sweeps San Jose State
HONOLULU – Someone tell Joshua Walker to keep his dancing shoes handy. The University of Hawai’i women’s volleyball team continued a perfect start to conference play on Saturday night, slicing through San Jose State (6-10, 1-5 Mountain West) in...
Arizona State rolls along as Hawai’i road rally falls short
The seeds of competence were there. The University of Hawai’i football team traveled to Tempe, took an early lead for the first time in a month and slowly unraveled afterwards on the way to a 30-12 loss to Arizona State (3-2) on Saturday night....
Sharks Weekly: HPU Men’s Soccer Finds Strength in Chemistry, Senior Leadership
Hawai‘i Pacific University men’s soccer is finding its rhythm in PacWest play, with experienced leadership, team chemistry and a never-quit mentality helping the Sharks emerge as contenders in the conference race. Head coach Chris Fisher joined...
Bertani’s First Career Goal Sparks Hawai‘i to 3-0 Shutout of Nevada
Hawai‘i defender Piper Bertani (17) tracks the ball during the Rainbow Wahine's 3-0 victory over Nevada on Oct 7, 2026. | Photo Credit: Stacy Sur, Special to HSRNJunior defender Piper Bertani scored her first collegiate goal, sparking the...
Hawai‘i Heads to Arizona State as Both Teams Look to Rebound From Frustrating Losses
Hawai‘i heads back on the road Saturday for its first meeting with Arizona State in nearly two decades, with both programs looking to put disappointing performances behind them. The Rainbow Warriors (1-4, 0-3 Mountain West) will face the Sun...
Mountain West preseason poll sees Hawai’i, Flavell set to be among conference best
HONOLULU – New conference, new coach, same respect. The University of Hawai’i women’s basketball team was picked to finish fourth in the program’s first run through the Mountain West according to the preseason poll released by the conference on...
ADVERTISEMENT
