June Jones Resigns As SMU Coach
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM/AP) - June Jones resigned as SMU's coach Monday after the Mustangs scored only one touchdown in losing their first games.
Jones' resignation is effective immediately. Leigh Steinberg, the coach's agent, said in a tweet that Jones had felt for some time that he had accomplished his mission to turn around the SMU program and needed a break.
JUNE JONES RESIGNS SMU COACHING JOB--June had felt for some time he had accomplished mission to turn around program and needed a break.
— Leigh Steinberg (@leighsteinberg) September 8, 2014
"This afternoon, I talked to my staff and players and notified them that I have decided to resign as SMU head football coach effective immediately," said Jones, in a statement released by the university. "It was a very difficult decision for me to make, as you can imagine. I have devoted my life for the last 50 years to playing and coaching this game and it has been a great journey. This job has a lot of demands, as you know, and along with that journey comes a price that is paid. I have some personal issues I have been dealing with and I need to take a step away so I can address them at this time.
Jones was in his seventh season with the Mustangs, with a record of 36-43.
SMU opened this season with a 45-0 loss at Baylor, and then dropped a 43-6 game at North Texas on Saturday when the Mustangs' only touchdown came on the last play of the game.
SMU Associate Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator Tom Mason has been named head coach for the remainder of the year, said SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart. "I want to thank Coach Jones for his efforts reestablishing our winning tradition in football," said President R. Gerald Turner. "I also want to thank him for his commitment to nurturing well-rounded student-athletes. June has demonstrated a real devotion to the young men in his care and to serving the community. As a result, our student-athletes leave SMU as better people. He has earned the respect and admiration of many all across campus and in the community, and his contributions to our program will be lasting."
"June's decision to resign was his own, and we thank him for his efforts and wish him the best," said Hart in a statement.
Hart and SMU President R. Gerald Turner will hold a press conference at 7 p.m. to discuss the coaching change. CBSDFW will stream it live.
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