North Texas

SMU Football Coach June Jones Resigns

June Jones resigned Monday as head coach of the Southern Methodist University football team.

In a statement released by the university, Jones cited personal issues as the reason for resigning two games into the 2014 season.

Tom Mason, the Mustangs' associate head coach and defensive coordinator, will act as head coach for the remainder of the year, according to athletics director Rick Hart.

Quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison and wide receivers coach Jason Phillips will be co-offensive coordinators for the Mustangs, who are 0-2 on the season after defeats by Baylor and North Texas.

“June’s decision to resign was his own, and we thank him for his efforts and wish him the best," Hart said in a statement from the university. “As we embark upon the process of identifying our next head football coach, we are positioned to attract quality candidates due to the progress our program has made under June’s leadership. When we hoist championship trophies in the future, it will be possible because of the groundwork laid by Coach Jones, his staff and our student-athletes.”

The entire statement from Jones follows:

"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. “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.


“We have some talented and really good kids, who just happen to be young. Tom Mason will take over the head coaching duties. Tom has done a great job with the defense since coming to SMU. This being a bye week will give all the coaches and players a chance to evaluate themselves and make the changes needed for their preparation in getting ready for the next couple games and conference play the rest of the way. I would like to thank all the people here at SMU that have supported the vision we have had here. I feel we have made SMU relevant again in football by going to four bowls in my six years as a Mustang. I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given and wish only the best for the players, coaches and administration at SMU."

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.

Contact Us