June Jones spent Sunday night trying to decide whether to accept an offer to coach SMU or return to Hawaii, where the governor is among those trying to keep him.
“It’s been a wild day,” said Jones’ agent, Leigh Steinberg. “I haven’t seen anything like this before. It’s emotionally wrenching for June.”
Jones was in Dallas meeting with SMU officials and the search committee that has been working since late October to hire a replacement for the fired Phil Bennett. Meanwhile, the folks on the island were doing all they could to get him to say no and continue leading a program he has guided to national prominence.
Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle called to see what she could do, and the president who oversees the entire University of Hawaii system called with an updated contract proposal. It’s the second in three days, but the first made by the school’s overall leader.
The higher-ups aren’t the only ones doing their best to lure Jones back.
“Yesterday when he was in Hawaii, June was visited by dozens of alums and fans, urging him to stay,” Steinberg said. “He’s received dozens of phone calls and e-mails telling him what he’s meant to not only the school but the whole state, with personal stories that were heartwarming. It’s a pretty interesting story from that standpoint.”
UCF star going pro.
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Smith challenged Barry Sanders’ NCAA record of 2,628 rushing yards in a season in 2007, but finished 61 yards short.
Tedford tweaks staff.
Cal coach Jeff Tedford shuffled several spots on his staff , most notably hiring Frank Cignetti as his offensive coordinator.
