Not just the Rainbow Warriors, but college football as well, lost a legend this past week.
Legendary former University of Hawaiʻi head football coach June Jones passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 73.
Jones left an impact on Hawaii football that is still felt today. Here is what to know about the Rainbow Warrior icon.
Where It All Began
Jones got his start in Hawaii in 1973. Not as a coach, but as a player. He transferred from Oregon to play quarterback for Hawaii in the 73-74 season before
returning to the lower 48 with Portland State.
Over two decades later, the Rainbow Warriors found themselves in a tough spot.
The year was 1999. Hawaii had just gone a shocking 0-12 in the previous college football season, not putting together a winning season in six years. They now were looking for their next head coach.
Enter: June Jones.
Rainbow Renaissance
Jones was just coming off a season of coaching the San Diego Chargers in the NFL. Not as their official head coach, but as an interim, due to head coach Kevin Gilbride being fired midseason.
The former quarterback was now looking for his next opportunity, conveniently, at the same time that the Warriors needed a new leader.
Jones made his return to the island ahead of the 1999 season, and the difference was apparent immediately.
From 0-12 to 9-4, Jones led Hawaii to a share of the WAC conference title. It was the most dramatic turnaround that the NCAA had seen at the time, and the success caught Honolulu by storm. Fans wore shirts and stickers that said “June Jones for Governor” as Hawaii football was officially back.
Leaving a Legacy
Jones would go on to coach nine seasons with the Rainbow Warriors, achieving success that the program has never seen before.
Jones was the head coach for the memorable 2007 season, with QB Colt Brennan leading Hawaii to the Sugar Bowl and a Heisman finalist bid, the only time a Hawaii player has made it to New York.
Looking at the bigger picture, Jones birthed the “run and shoot” offense, a system that you can still see shades of in offenses like “veer and shoot” and much more.
Jones also coached quarterback Timmy Chang, who is the current head coach for Hawaii.
“Words can’t express the sorrow I feel today,” Chang said in a statement. “Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary who revolutionized the game. He believed in a young kid from Hawai’i and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to run his offense. And his impact didn’t stop when my playing days ended. He guided me every step of the way as I transitioned into coaching, always making time to share his wisdom and support me when I took over this program. He put Hawai’i football on the map and showed us all what was possible. We lost a true legend today, but I will spend the rest of my career trying to honor his legacy, his passion for this university, and the Aloha he shared with everyone he touched. My deepest condolences go out to his ‘ohana and all those whom he impacted.”
Jones could be remembered for the bowl victories or the offensive systems, but his biggest accomplishment? Putting Hawaii football back on the map.
Rest in Peace, Coach June Jones.
