June Jones resigns

[WeezyFcat]

nm

[SCCat]

Holy crap he's going to take the SMU job

Do you have a link?

EDIT-I guess their message boards are full of links. Interesting.

[WeezyFcat]

espnnews: breaking news.

[azhoops]

story in Honolulu Advertiser, Jones cites lack of loyalty and support from UH officials. Will talk with SMU

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2008/Jan/05/br/br8654291370.html

[charcoal01]

any truth to the story that colt brennan was publically begging on tv for soap in the uh locker rooms? if so, no wonder he's leaving.

[BlueMikey]

I can get why someone would want to leave Hawaii with the state of things over there, but I can't imagine June Jones can't do better than SMU.

[SCCat]

This just feels like UH is messing up a good thing pretty badly.

[tstein7240]

I can get why someone would want to leave Hawaii with the state of things over there, but I can't imagine June Jones can't do better than SMU.

I am telling you... SMU's AD is on a mission to turn around the entire department. He has raised a crapload of $$$, upgrading the facilities, they have a great new stadium...

I know SMU has been the pits of college football since they came back from the death penalty... but Orsini is a great leader who is pulling out all stops to make them a legit program again.

I wouldn't be shocked if they are back at the TCU level within 5 years.

[BlueMikey]

OK, so I've been trying to think of a good analogy.

Think of, say, RC Cola. Some people think it's a good soda to drink, maybe especially in specific areas of the country. But, for the most part, they are a non-factor. Coke and Pepsi are much bigger players, and other companies, like Dr. Pepper/Seven 7 will probably always be ahead.

So Royal Crown hires a new CEO. And the CEO has a vision. That RC Cola will become the king of colas! RC will come up with new marketing strategies, will introduce new products, and finds a way somehow to infuse the company with money.

And over the next 10 years, RC Cola finds a way to shave away 0.05% of Coke and Pepsi's market share, increasing sales by $3 million at a cost of $5 million.

[azhoops]

No matter what SMU's AD does it looks like the Mustangs are stuck in Conference USA, which says a lot...

[BlueMikey]

Conference USA is the moonpie to SMU's RC Cola.

[Jumbos]

I read yesterday the SMU offer was 2 mill vs 800k @ UH

[charcoal01]

so no info on the soap begging? i found it sorta hilarious.

[catgrad97]

You would have to do something pretty damned low to make me leave one of the highest-paying jobs in the state of Hawaii...kill my dog or something.

MUCH more than show "lack of loyalty and support." And I'm certainly not leaving Hawaii to raise SMU from the dead for anything less than a lifetime contract.

Jones had a great thing going at UH, and I honestly think it was a stupid, Dennis Erickson-type move to give up $800K (with an expected raise after this season) a year in Paradise after nine seasons for even a million more in a football graveyard.

Jones had a decent successor to Brennan coming in at QB. Was recruiting aid an issue, perhaps? I don't get this move. :confused:

[SCCat]

Jones had a decent successor to Brennan coming in at QB. Was recruiting aid an issue, perhaps? I don't get this move. :confused:

I'd heard Colt's successor was a Salpointe boy. Any potential confirmation of this?

[azhoops]

I'd heard Colt's successor was a Salpointe boy. Any potential confirmation of this?

Yeah, Tyler Graunke was the backup this season. Played a few games when Brennan was injured.

[azhoops]

any truth to the story that colt brennan was publically begging on tv for soap in the uh locker rooms? if so, no wonder he's leaving.

Yes, the facilities and the athletic department support reportedly are terrible.

[Reydituto]

I am telling you... SMU's AD is on a mission to turn around the entire department. He has raised a crapload of $$$, upgrading the facilities, they have a great new stadium...

Aside from "brand new stadium, you've just described Jim Livengood's tenure here ... :)

You would have to do something pretty damned low to make me leave one of the highest-paying jobs in the state of Hawaii...kill my dog or something.

While I agree, who's to say he ends up at SMU? ;)

[azhoops]

Hawaii partisans shall blame this man...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Frazier

[HiCat]

SMU ponying up big bucks
June mulling an offer from Mustangs that would pay up to $2 million
» in News: Boosters back effort to boot out Frazier

By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

The greatest moment in University of Hawaii football history -- the Warriors' appearance in the Sugar Bowl on Tuesday -- was a time of great excitement for UH football fans, who appeared in droves in New Orleans.

That was just four days ago.

Now, in the aftermath of UH's 41-10 loss to Georgia, the mood is quite different as the Warriors appear to be on the verge of losing their leader, ninth-year head coach June Jones.

Jones was scheduled to fly to Dallas today and meet with officials at SMU. The Mustangs have offered Jones a contract worth up to $2 million a year to take over the once-proud program that has had just two winning seasons since 1989.

UH, where Jones gets paid $800,000 per year, has made two counter-offers that don't match the salary offered by SMU.

Jones has repeatedly said his heart is in Hawaii. But multiple sources have said Jones' moving on is all but a done deal due to continual frustrations with the UH infrastructure.

If Jones does leave, some of his current assistants will join him. A move would also wreak havoc with the current UH recruiting class.

Warriors junior slotback Davone Bess -- the leading touchdown-scorer in school history -- signed with an agent yesterday and made himself available for the NFL Draft. He will likely by joined in the coming days by his running mate at the other slot, Ryan Grice-Mullins, also a junior ready to declare for the draft.



Friends try to get Jones to stay at UH
They're hoping it wasn't the last supper.

Close friends of June Jones and the University of Hawaii football program dined with the UH coach last night, trying to get him to consider remaining at the helm of the Warriors.

Close to 8 million watched Sugar Bowl
Television ratings for the Sugar Bowl ranked third among New Year's Day games with a 7.9 mark, translating to roughly 8 million viewers tuning in to watch Hawaii's 41-10 loss to Georgia.

The Rose Bowl between USC and Illinois was first with a 12.0 in Tuesday's overnight ratings. The Capital One Bowl drew a 9.9 rating for Michigan's win over Florida.

Those were followed by the Sugar Bowl, Outback Bowl (Wisconsin vs. Tennessee, 3.63), Cotton Bowl (Missouri vs. Arkansas, 3.4), and Gator Bowl (Virginia vs. Texas Tech, 2.5).

UH's appearance in the Sugar Bowl was its first in a BCS game.

STAR-BULLETIN

Today, Jones was scheduled to fly to Dallas and meet with officials at Southern Methodist. Jones was to officially receive an offer to coach the Mustangs of Conference USA at up to $2 million per year.

Since his return from the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday -- and, according to some, before -- the word has been that Jones is leaning heavily toward moving to the Big D and leaving what he had described as his dream job.

One friend of Jones said he is "90 percent" convinced that he will take the offer to get away from frustrations at UH. Another person close to him said he'd place the odds at 50-to-1 that Jones would go to SMU rather than remain at Manoa.

Hawaii officials, including athletic director Herman Frazier and president David McClain, have met with Jones over the past two days.

UH has tendered two offers to Jones' agent, Leigh Steinberg. The first offer was $1.1 million per year in salary, the second, made yesterday, was "considerably more," a source said.

"There is indeed an offer out there and we think it's competitive," McClain said. "It's designed to be competitive. SMU has considerable resources and we understand that. We feel we can be competitive."

"We did (receive an offer from UH on Thursday) and analyzed it," Steinberg said. "June has been in a thought process for a number of days."

Jones is paid a salary of $800,000 per year at UH, with half of it coming from private sources. His contract ends June 30. He went through a process yesterday to get permission to seek other opportunities before the end of the contract.

Jones and Steinberg have repeatedly said salary is not the key issue. Commitment to building new facilities and other resources are Jones' priority, Steinberg said.

While many considered Jones' leaving a done deal yesterday, his agent didn't.

"I can say we've been in discussions with SMU, and that nothing is resolved with SMU," Steinberg said.

SMU, which fired Phil Bennett during the season, scheduled a news conference for Monday.

Jones would leave as the winningest coach in school history, with a 76-41 record, with winning marks in seven of his nine seasons. His crowning achievement is the just-completed regular season -- a 12-0 mark, and unprecedented achievements of an outright WAC championship, No. 10 ranking nationally, and the program's first appearance in a BCS bowl game.

One of the few downers of the season was the Warriors' 41-10 loss to No. 4 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.

Another, for UH fans, is the possible loss of the coach that got the program there.

"This whole thing didn't have to happen," said Artie Wilson, a close friend of Jones. "We didn't have to get to this point. There was plenty of opportunity to address a contract extension and nothing was done."

http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/05/sports/story01.html


Almost a done deal... UH dropped the ball on this one big time.. Why did they wait till now to offer him the pay raise??:eek: :confused:

[HiCat]

Too late...

Boosters back effort to boot out Frazier
» in Sports: SMU ponying up big bucks for Jones

STORY SUMMARY »

Disgruntled Hawaii football boosters are ready to pay UH athletic director Herman Frazier to go away.

Warriors booster Kent Untermann, a former UH tight end, said the $120,000 needed to do so has been raised.

"All we need is a trigger man," Untermann said.

It is not that simple.

University of Hawaii-Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw and the UH Board of Regents would have to endorse such a move. Hinshaw has only been at her post a few months, and the Board of Regents has always given Frazier high marks.

But Frazier's popularity with UH fans is low, especially since many feel he should have made sure football coach June Jones' contract was renewed last year. Now Jones might be headed to another school: SMU.

STAR-BULLETIN

FULL STORY »

By Dave Reardon
dreardon@starbulletin.com

University of Hawaii football boosters have raised money in an effort to oust athletic director Herman Frazier.

Oahu businessman Kent Untermann, a former UH tight end and now a booster, said fans who donate large sums of money to the athletic program want Frazier out. One is willing to put up what Untermann said is the entire amount necessary.

"The money's already there. Someone just has to pull the trigger," Untermann said. "There's a gentleman, who I won't name, who has volunteered to pay the $120,000 buyout. He would make sure it happens."

Frazier had no comment.

The Star-Bulletin has learned at least several other boosters are willing to contribute money to remove Frazier from the post he has held since 2002.

But such a move would require termination of Frazier's contract by his supervisor, UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia Hinshaw, and approval by the school's Board of Regents. Frazier is under contract at $250,000 per year until 2010.

UH president David McClain said removing Frazier is "hardly anything I've contemplated," and would fall under the jurisdiction of Frazier's supervisor, Hinshaw, and the Board of Regents.

"Personnel issues are dealt with by the university, and not in this manner," Hinshaw said.

"The structure is that we have a small number of positions that involve oversight and approval (by the board)," McClain said.

Frazier has been roundly criticized by UH fans since early last year for the football team's schedule, his handling of the transition of basketball coaches, and a lack of improved facilities. More recently he came under fire for not accepting UH's full allotment of Sugar Bowl tickets.

The latest displeasure with Frazier stems from football coach June Jones' contract not being renewed yet. The contract expires at the end of June, and Jones is headed to Dallas today to interview to become the football coach at Southern Methodist.

Several sources say Jones is close to accepting SMU's $2 million-per-year offer. UH made a counteroffer of around $1.1 million per year late Thursday, and that amount was upped yesterday. But Jones and his agent, Leigh Steinberg, have said Jones is more interested in improved infrastructure and resources than his own pay.

Untermann said removing Frazier is part of an attempt to keep Jones at UH.

"I don't think with June it's ever a done deal until it's done," Untermann said. "He's an emotional guy. He came here on emotion. I think he's fed up and disappointed. We have to take swift action, which hasn't been demonstrated at all. June will never say we have to replace the athletic director."

Untermann said he believes Jones wants three things to remain at UH: a $25 million commitment to facility improvement, a promise of effective leadership and more loyalty from the fan base.

"Part of that ties into administration and scheduling and marketing," Untermann said. "I don't blame it on the fans. The leadership hasn't been there, and June has obviously done his part."

Untermann was asked if he thinks anything can be done to keep Jones at UH.

"It might be too late," he said.
http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/05/news/story03.html

[HiCat]

Souza said Jones broke down in tears as he mulled his decision Friday night.

"He doesn't want to leave," Souza said.


http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080106/NEWS01/801060358



Reports that Jones had resigned yesterday were erroneous, but he did send letters to friends saying he intended to do so. UH athletic director Herman Frazier said he hadn't received a resignation notice from Jones.

Jones reportedly recommended five candidates to replace him: Duane Akina, Norm Chow, Kevin Gilbride, Cal Lee and Dick Tomey

http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/06/news/story02.html

[tstein7240]

Aside from "brand new stadium, you've just described Jim Livengood's tenure here ... :)
)

If Livengood has raised a crapload of money, nobody would be saying we "can't afford Stoops' buyout"

Add to that... Orsini is out in the community talking to fans and alums of ALL LEVELS. The first time I see Livengood have an online chat with fans, I will be shocked.... Can you arrange this? Would love to get his insights on his plan and future goals of the program.

[BlueMikey]

Yeah, nothing like a pointless chat to get absolutely nothing out of the community. You know what that really accomplishes? It appeases people like you who believe it might actually have an effect on anything.

And I don't know how much more money could be raised at Arizona.

[LuteLoyalist]

Where is the evidence to suggest that Livengood has done such a terrific job of fundraising at Arizona? The AD is in the black because of Lute's basketball program, period. And I don't see where JL desrves credit for Jim Click's generosity or RJ's huge donation.

I see the Livengood supporters post this, and I can't really refute it, but I'd be curious to see some supporting facts. Like how much money has been raised during his tenure, and how it compares to other schools in the conference. And how that compares to our relative position before he arrived.

[BlueMikey]

I didn't say he did some great job raising money.

I said I don't know how much more money Arizona can get.

The big money people, like Click and Kalil are still donating, ex-players like Jefferson donated, and Arizona, the main campus, has tapped a bunch of the possible sources over the last decade. Basketball ticket prices also take out a huge chunk of possible donations, considering how much you have to give just to get in the door. Money had to be gathered to buy out Mackovic just a couple years ago.

Arizona is a public school in a city that many people stay in and that one can't make a lot of money in. It's not like we're a private school in the middle of oil country.

[WeezyFcat]

Yeah, Tyler Graunke was the backup this season. Played a few games when Brennan was injured.


pretty sure that he was a senior this year..

[azhoops]

pretty sure that he was a senior this year..

http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu/Player/player.html?pid=3&aid=12875

[tstein7240]

I didn't say he did some great job raising money.

I said I don't know how much more money Arizona can get.

The big money people, like Click and Kalil are still donating, ex-players like Jefferson donated, and Arizona, the main campus, has tapped a bunch of the possible sources over the last decade. Basketball ticket prices also take out a huge chunk of possible donations, considering how much you have to give just to get in the door. Money had to be gathered to buy out Mackovic just a couple years ago.

Arizona is a public school in a city that many people stay in and that one can't make a lot of money in. It's not like we're a private school in the middle of oil country.


On the other hand, it is a large school w/tons more alums than a 7,000 school. I personally know 2 alums who come from a very rich, very prestigious family (in the sports world) who have never been contacted by the AD. Granted, that is a case study of one... so I have no clue if that is a slip through the cracks or part of a major issue.

Back to the original point of this thread - I am really excited with the potential hiring of June Jones - he might not do anything on the Hilltop - but with the school less than a mile from my house... I am excited with the potential to finally have some good football

[Reydituto]

If Livengood has raised a crapload of money, nobody would be saying we "can't afford Stoops' buyout"

Add to that... Orsini is out in the community talking to fans and alums of ALL LEVELS. The first time I see Livengood have an online chat with fans, I will be shocked.... Can you arrange this? Would love to get his insights on his plan and future goals of the program.

Livengood raised a crapload of money to buyout Mackovic and still improve facilities, which is why a Stoops buyout is cost prohibitive at this juncture (aside from the fact that Stoops, of course, will coach next season - you need to start referring to a buyout before next season of Stoops in the past tense).

As for a "chat", judging by some of the irrational hatred of the guy here by a select few, I'm not sure that's a wise idea. I also hold no power to "arrange" such a thing, but I will suggest it next time I see him, which is infrequent at best - he's a busy man, but he's not the "ivory tower" administrator you paint him to be.

Where is the evidence to suggest that Livengood has done such a terrific job of fundraising at Arizona? The AD is in the black because of Lute's basketball program, period. And I don't see where JL desrves credit for Jim Click's generosity or RJ's huge donation.

I see the Livengood supporters post this, and I can't really refute it, but I'd be curious to see some supporting facts. Like how much money has been raised during his tenure, and how it compares to other schools in the conference. And how that compares to our relative position before he arrived.

You can't refute it because no one can. I'm not going to tick off all the things that were accomplished with donor monies during Livengood's tenure, but you can do a search of "Reydituto + Livengood" and find threads where I've listed many of the things achieved with donations secured by Livengood. I have no idea how it stacks against schools from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, but then again I'm not sure how fair that comparison would be. And you don't see where JL deserves credit for the Clicks or RJs or Morenos because you don't want to see it, but he does deserve credit.

Back to the original point of this thread - I am really excited with the potential hiring of June Jones - he might not do anything on the Hilltop - but with the school less than a mile from my house... I am excited with the potential to finally have some good football

I'm excited for you as wel if Jones goes there, even if it took 6+ weeks after the season ended. :rolleyes: I have a buddy who lives near Greenville and Mockingbird, and he'd go to game if they were any good.

[HiCat]

Updated at 3:07 p.m., Sunday, January 6, 2008

Jones awaits release from UH

Advertiser Staff
The Dallas media expected an announcement on whether June Jones would become the next Southern Methodist University head football coach at 5 p.m. Central time (1 p.m. in Hawai'i).

But the projected time came and went, and now reports from Dallas say the holdup to Jones' signing with SMU is that he is awaiting a release from his contract with UH.

Jones, University of Hawaii's winningest football coach, arrived in Dallas today and met with SMU officials at the private school's Dallas campus.

Jones, whose five-year contract expires June 30, reportedly will be offered a five-year deal with an annual salary of up to $2 million.

UH, which made no contact with Jones or his agent Leigh Steinberg during the 2007 season, tried to make a last-ditch attempt to keep Jones, offering as much as a reported $1.7 million. Jones' salary was $800,016 a year.

But Steinberg said, "the issue of June's compensation has never been June's concern. June's focus has been the facilities, and the ability to take the program to the next level. And I'll leave it at that."

Jones was hired by UH in December 1998 and resurrected a football program that had just finished the season at 0-12. With a record of 76-41, Jones has accumulated the most victories of any UH coach. In his nine years at UH, he has had seven winning seasons. He received a five-year contract extension and a raise from $320,000 in 2003. Since then, Jones had four winning seasons in five years, earned four bowl berths, and accumulated records of 11-3 and 12-1 the past two seasons. The 2007 season was capped by the school's first invitation to a Bowl Championship Series bowl, the Sugar Bowl in the Superdome in New Orleans.

According to close friend Al Souza, Jones resigned yesterday, a move that allowed Jones to formally entertain an offer from SMU, which has been without a head coach since firing Phil Bennett Oct. 28.

SMU has raised $10 million to give the next head coach during the life of a five-year contract.

SMU is a member of the 12-team Conference USA and finished 1-11 overall and 0-8 in the conference last season. The Conference USA, like the Western Athletic Conference in which UH is a member, is not one of the six BCS conferences with an automatic berth to a BCS bowl.

Steinberg said Jones was inundated with calls and e-mails from fans imploring him to remain at UH.

"It was heart-wrenching," Steinberg said.

Steinberg said Jones was moved by the outpouring.

In an e-mail distributed to select friends Saturday, Jones included a copy of the letter of resignation he sent to athletic director Herman Frazier.

Souza said Jones broke down in tears as he mulled his decision Friday night.

"He doesn't want to leave," Souza said.

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2008/Jan/06/br/br0129456387.html

[tstein7240]

I'm excited for you as wel if Jones goes there, even if it took 6+ weeks after the season ended. :rolleyes: I have a buddy who lives near Greenville and Mockingbird, and he'd go to game if they were any good.

That is about a mile from me... I am at Abrams and Mockingbird (well, until next Saturday as we just sold our house)

[Class of 1990]

RC > Coke

[LuteLoyalist]

You can't refute it because no one can. I'm not going to tick off all the things that were accomplished with donor monies during Livengood's tenure, but you can do a search of "Reydituto + Livengood" and find threads where I've listed many of the things achieved with donations secured by Livengood. I have no idea how it stacks against schools from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, but then again I'm not sure how fair that comparison would be. And you don't see where JL deserves credit for the Clicks or RJs or Morenos because you don't want to see it, but he does deserve credit.

I ask you a sincere question to try and understand the basis for your (and others') opinion, and this is your response? Clearly you are above such discourse. :rolleyes: It's unfortunate that you are not even half as convincing as you think you are. It's bad enough when gifted people flaunt it. It is a whole other story when an individual's bravado far exceeds their ability.

Jim Click has been giving boatloads of money to the University since I was in junior high school, and I graduated from the U SEVERAL years ago. So while it is your prerogative to give JL credit for Click's donor money - excuse me while I assume that those donations are not the result of Livengood's efforts. As for RJ ponying up all that cash, I assume it is your position that such a donation would never have been made had another AD been in position? That's a reach, even for someone with your imagination. I 'll refrain from commentary on the Moreno issue, because I admittedly have no knowledge of the man (billboards and Angels notwithstanding)

You act as if Livengood were not our AD, then the Athletic Departments coffers would be empty, because no one would be donating ANY money if it were not for ol' Jimmy Boy.

To suggest that we should examine Livengood's fundraising successes in a vacuum, without regard to how his efforts rate against his peers, or his predecessors, is beyond inane. Any professionals effectiveness, in any endeavor, is only measured in comparison to that of their peers. There is an important notion called relativity, and I am pretty sure there was a kinda smart guy a few years back who came up with a theory on the matter.

Maybe Livengood has done a terrific job at fundraising, but you have provided zero evidentiary response to support your assertion. I don't care that lots of money has been donated in his 13 year tenure. Lots of money would have been raised had the job been open for that long.

If McGruff the Crime Dog was appointed the police chief in LA - there would still be a lot of arrests made over the course of a year. Let's forget trend assessment or comparative analytics... and save the taxpayers a great deal of money. We can make the fictitious cartoon canine the "top dog" in Los Angeles Law Enforcement! :rolleyes:

I still get the same semi-annual mailers and phone calls from the UA AD that I did the year after I graduated. Jim sure has been an agent for change!

I guess he should be running for president.

[BlueMikey]

You act as if Livengood were not our AD, then the Athletic Departments coffers would be empty, because no one would be donating ANY money if it were not for ol' Jimmy Boy.

I think it's wrong to label many of us not calling for change Livengood supporters.

See, we're not saying that the coffers would be empty without Livengood, we're saying that the coffers wouldn't be significantly larger without him. (Not to mention the cost of an AD who might be able to raise more.)

Further, for every good AD, there are bad ADs. With Livengood, you have a pretty good idea what you're going to get. Nothing has been all that bad, but you have to take into consideration that the guy we get might do a worse job. You have to add that risk into your cost of switching ADs. Not every change is for the good.

[Reydituto]

I ask you a sincere question to try and understand the basis for your (and others') opinion, and this is your response? Clearly you are above such discourse. :rolleyes: It's unfortunate that you are not even half as convincing as you think you are. It's bad enough when gifted people flaunt it. It is a whole other story when an individual's bravado far exceeds their ability.

Jim Click has been giving boatloads of money to the University since I was in junior high school, and I graduated from the U SEVERAL years ago. So while it is your prerogative to give JL credit for Click's donor money - excuse me while I assume that those donations are not the result of Livengood's efforts. As for RJ ponying up all that cash, I assume it is your position that such a donation would never have been made had another AD been in position? That's a reach, even for someone with your imagination. I 'll refrain from commentary on the Moreno issue, because I admittedly have no knowledge of the man (billboards and Angels notwithstanding)

You act as if Livengood were not our AD, then the Athletic Departments coffers would be empty, because no one would be donating ANY money if it were not for ol' Jimmy Boy.

To suggest that we should examine Livengood's fundraising successes in a vacuum, without regard to how his efforts rate against his peers, or his predecessors, is beyond inane. Any professionals effectiveness, in any endeavor, is only measured in comparison to that of their peers. There is an important notion called relativity, and I am pretty sure there was a kinda smart guy a few years back who came up with a theory on the matter.

Maybe Livengood has done a terrific job at fundraising, but you have provided zero evidentiary response to support your assertion. I don't care that lots of money has been donated in his 13 year tenure. Lots of money would have been raised had the job been open for that long.

If McGruff the Crime Dog was appointed the police chief in LA - there would still be a lot of arrests made over the course of a year. Let's forget trend assessment or comparative analytics... and save the taxpayers a great deal of money. We can make the fictitious cartoon canine the "top dog" in Los Angeles Law Enforcement! :rolleyes:

I still get the same semi-annual mailers and phone calls from the UA AD that I did the year after I graduated. Jim sure has been an agent for change!

I guess he should be running for president.

I don't think there's an ounce of "bravado" in what I stated above, I was actually being nice. Meanwhile there certainly has been a measurable amount of contempt in your recent posting here as well as on Premium.

Putting your digs at my "ability" aside, here's the thing ...

You and I have had this discussion before on Livengood, an all-encompassing debate about what he's achieved as AD financially and athletically, with ample evidentiary response to support my assertions:

http://forum.goazcats.com/showpost.php?p=888464&postcount=28

Follow the links in that post where I basically held the same discussion with Auercat and others as well. I don't feel the need to repeat myself again, just because you in effect asked me to ... again.

In light of this, I also didn't think your question was all that sincere, but rather an attempt to bait me and others into another Livengood bashfest. If I am mistaken, then I apologize, but the tone of your posts here and on Premium suggested this possibility.

You know, Jim Click has been giving boatloads of money to the University since I was in grade school with his son Chris, and I graduated from the U SEVERAL years ago as well. However, it's a bit presumptuous to assume his level of giving would remain the same no matter who the AD was. The proper thing to do would not be to assume Click is willing to give, but to invite him for a sit down, ask him if he's willing to give and how much. JL deserves credit for doing exactly this whether you want to recognize that or not.

Also, you want to discredit JL for RJ's generous donation, fine, then let's give credit to where it is really due: Jim Rosborough. He helped secure that donation. Wait, who was it who hired Rosborough? Ah yes, it was Jim Livengood! You people in the LLM can't have it both ways; JL at least gets credit for putting people in position to help the U of A, if not direct credit for helping to secure that donation (although he deserves some anyway).

You act as if Livengood being UA's AD, has NOTHING to do with the level of giving to the Athletic Departments coffers, because everyone would be donating money no matter who the AD is. Tell that to Todd Turner who just resigned from UW in large part because he can't get the Husky Stadium expansion funded with donor money. In other words, that assertion is absolute BS.

I don't know what's been raised elsewhere in the Pac-10, but I think it's safe to say that the economies of scale at UCLA, USC, Cal, Stanford, UW, and even Oregon with all that Nike money when compared to the UA render a comparative analysis with his peers almost useless, which is why I didn't spend the time doing one Einstein. I can tell you he has done better than any of his predecessors to increase donations to UA Sports, as evidenced by the many facility improvements made completely with the mid-eight figures donated to UA Athletics over JL's tenure - all of which can be found in the public record.

Moving past your cute little McGruff analogy, to state that "lots of money would have been raised had the job been open for that long" is laughable and ridiculous on it's face, and has no merit based on the factual record. Here's a hint: Maybe you still get the same semi-annual mailers and phone calls from the UA AD that you did the year after you graduated ... because they're still effective with the alums by and large, regardless of how well you receive them. :rolleyes:

Finally, as you can see by my considered response here, I am not above such discourse, I just don't like covering the same ground over and over, especially when most of the information you seek is available to anyone. I harbor no illusions as to how convincing I am - I know you (and others) will continue to believe what you want to believe no matter what I say. Having said that, not even I would vote for JL for President. :)

[HiCat]

Not yet..

The waiting game
June Jones remains undecided about his coaching future at UH
» Fans hope for another amazing comeback
» in Sports: Players support Coach Jones
» in Sports: Warriors' Leonard also mulling options

STORY SUMMARY »

If you're a June Jones and University of Hawaii football fan, you have to like this omen: The Warriors were 2-0 in overtime games this season, while Southern Methodist was 0-2.

What looked like a runaway win for SMU in a battle for Jones' coaching services turned into a dead heat last night as the ninth-year UH coach struggled in his decision to remain at Manoa or pack up for a permanent move to Dallas.

Jones was undecided late last night Hawaii time and early this morning in Texas, where Jones interviewed yesterday.

It seemed like a done deal that Jones would sign up with the Mustangs, until a last-ditch effort including e-mails from fans, phone calls from Gov. Linda Lingle and other state officials and an offer from UH addressing Jones' nonsalary concerns turned the tide.

Jones' agent, Leigh Steinberg, said he did not know what would happen, but "my personal take is to advise him to do what will make him happy."

http://starbulletin.com/2008/01/07/news/story01.html

[HiCat]

Momentum shift??:)

Monday, January 7, 2008

University of Hawaii goes all-out for Jones
Video: Fans hope Jones stays
• Hawaii fans swarm mall to see Warriors


By Stephen Tsai
HawaiiWarriorBeat.com Editor

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

UH football coach June Jones is considering a deal worth up to $2 million annually from Texas' Southern Methodist University.

ROB CARR | Associated Press



Signs pointed to the momentum changing in the University of Hawai'i's favor as it negotiated deep into the night in an all-out effort to retain June Jones as its head football coach.

Leigh Steinberg, Jones' agent, said the Warriors' all-time winningest Division I-A football coach arrived in Dallas yesterday morning with the intent of becoming Southern Methodist University's next head football coach.

But Steinberg said Jones began to have second thoughts after receiving an outpouring of e-mails and cell-phone calls from Warrior supporters.

What's more, UH president David McClain, who took the lead in negotiations, addressed Jones' concerns about plans to improve the athletic facilities and the football program's resources.

"I don't think there's any question that June came here meaning to make the change," Steinberg said. "But, obviously, his heart has been in Hawai'i. These calls and interactions he's had (Saturday) in person and (yesterday) on the phone and by e-mail are making it difficult.

"June has been deluged with calls from the Islands exhorting him to stay," Steinberg added. "I received a call from Gov. Lingle, and she asked if there's anything she could do. I've been getting a series of e-mails and text messages. Every time I look down, there's another e-mail or text message, talking about how much he means to the school, the youth, the Islands. He and I both believe in community."

Steinberg said he expects Jones to reach a decision this morning.

Jones arrived in Texas yesterday to meet with SMU officials on the private school's Dallas campus.

"It was a very positive day at SMU," Steinberg said.

Jones and Steinberg met with SMU president R. Gerald Turner. They had lunch at the home of Gerald J. Ford, a billionaire who donated $20 million for the campus stadium named after him. Ford is a member of the SMU board of trustees.

They also had a meeting with the search committee, during which Jones was offered a five-year deal valued at between $1.85 million and $2 million annually.

Later, Jones and Steinberg had dinner with several SMU alumni, including Dan Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"It was a very positive, upbeat day," Steinberg said.

But UH would not back away. McClain sent Steinberg and Jones a list of proposed improvements for the football program.

UH also reaffirmed its offer of a five-year contract with a base salary of $1.3 million annually, according to sources. If Jones stays the entire five years, he would receive a $1 million bonus, sources said.

But Steinberg said Jones was not focused on producing the "best" financial deal. Jones earns $800,016 annually on a five-year contract that expires June 30. Half of the contract is paid by donors, the school said.

"It's never been about (money)," Steinberg said. "It was about commitment. It wasn't until (McClain's list yesterday that) I saw anything in writing about the (UH) facilities."

Steinberg said SMU did not impose a deadline.

"They've never pressured," Steinberg said. But "there's got to be closure for both schools, as a practical matter."

After the dinner, Steinberg said, Jones went straight to his hotel room.

"It's in his court," Steinberg said. "He has not made a decision yet."

Middle linebacker Solomon Elimimian said he can't imagine Hawai'i without Jones.

"I think Coach Jones identifies a lot with the Hawai'i culture," Elimimian said. "He's been here nine years. Everybody loves him. You can't mention UH football without Coach Jones."

Linebacker Adam Leonard said: "My wish is for him to make the right decision for him and his family. He's a great coach, a wonderful coach to play for."

But Leonard said he hopes UH officials "step up and deliver on all of the promises they made him when he first took the job."

Leonard noted that UH's facilities are inferior to those at other schools. The Warriors do not have an on-campus practice facility with artificial surface on days it rains. The infield at UH's Cooke Field has been condemned for nearly two years.

http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080107/SPORTS0201/301070004/1035/SPORTS0201&template=UHsports&GID=dfrdWGuRG/hic9chk2lPoKLIKCGdfbR344G6kLzZPVs%3D

[tstein7240]

Seems like SMU's football season right now... They lost a bunch of games in the last minute.

I am hoping that they land Jones... Seems like everything was in place and justified their risk to hold out until bowl season was over for the guy.

Like I said, I like that the SMU AD is willing to swing the bat and try for a home run. The program has been hitting soft grounders to the 2nd baseman for 20+ years. Just hope he makes contact instead of striking out.

[alieberman]

It looks like SMU has done a great job at getting Jones a nice raise in Hawaii.

He would be a fool to leave now.

[BlueMikey]

$1.3m in Hawaii? Holy ****. **** the state of the facilities.

[charcoal01]

espn jumping the gun again? they seem to think jones is still leaving hawaii.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3184911

[HiCat]

Email just received from a friend:

There will be a news conference later today, he'll announce that he's leaving...according to reports from his assistant coaches. (The assistant coaches will tell the players..)

[HiCat]

Done deal..

January 7, 2008

June Jones takes coaching job at SMU

Advertiser Staff


Former University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones has reportedly accepted a position to be the next head coach at Southern Methodist University today in a new contract believed to be valued at between 1.85 million and 2 million dollars annually over five years.

Advertiser file photo
spacer spacer
Agent Leigh Steinberg told The Advertiser today that June Jones, University of Hawai'i's winningest football coach, has accepted a position to be the next head coach at Southern Methodist University.

"June woke up at peace" and decided to take the SMU job, Steinberg said.

Jones' new contract is believed to be valued at close to $2 million annually over five years.

http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2008/Jan/07/br/br5907241368.html

[alieberman]

June Jones is an idiot.

[Basketcats]

June Jones is an idiot.

I don't understand why you think that. I think I read somewhere that UH alotted $50K for recruiting last year. How in the heck is someone supposed to recruit on a budget like that?

UH has made promises in the past to upgrade facilities and continues to do so. Jones has been there and probably doubts the committment of UH to do so. SMU has the facilities, the money/backing and most importantly the drive to get back to a somewhat decent program. UH simply can't compete with that.

All in all I think it is a good move for Jones. If an administration is unwilling or unable to provide the tools necessary to win then the program is going to reach it's ceiling (which it probably already has) and go no further.

[ZONACAT]

The Pony Express is back!!!!!

I'm very excited about this news!!!!

[tstein7240]

June Jones is an idiot.

Hawaii is a wonderful place... but, they have failed on all the promises made to him. Heck, the Heisman candidate QB joked that they didn't have enough soap in the showers.

Personally, at his age - I would have retired and lived off the endorsements in the state of Hawaii. But, if he is looking for a challenge - he sure as hell found one.

[BlueMikey]

SMU has the facilities, the money/backing and most importantly the drive to get back to a somewhat decent program. UH simply can't compete with that.

But what's the point of being at a school who wants to put out the money if they would never be able to do anything with it?

SMU will never be the program it was. No major conference will have them, and Conference USA will never be a good conference, will never be able to pull football ratings. And Memphis has only been able to stay up in basketball because of established success before CUSA turned to crap. I mean, half the people under 20 when they read this on ESPN will probably think, "I didn't know there was a Southern Missouri University."

I'm willing to bet that no CUSA team will ever make it to a BCS bowl (and it was a much better conference when Tulane went undefeated). And for all the crying one might want to do about the facilities at Hawaii, you can do that there.

I don't have a single problem with June Jones taking the money, but that's essentially what this is. Trading in a program that can actually do things in the national spotlight for hundreds of thousands of dollars to disappear off the face of the college football map.

[Basketcats]

But what's the point of being at a school who wants to put out the money if they would never be able to do anything with it?

SMU will never be the program it was. No major conference will have them, and Conference USA will never be a good conference, will never be able to pull football ratings. And Memphis has only been able to stay up in basketball because of established success before CUSA turned to crap. I mean, half the people under 20 when they read this on ESPN will probably think, "I didn't know there was a Southern Missouri University."

I'm willing to bet that no CUSA team will ever make it to a BCS bowl (and it was a much better conference when Tulane went undefeated). And for all the crying one might want to do about the facilities at Hawaii, you can do that there.

I don't have a single problem with June Jones taking the money, but that's essentially what this is. Trading in a program that can actually do things in the national spotlight for hundreds of thousands of dollars to disappear off the face of the college football map.

In all honesty I think you're right. No CUSA team has or probably ever will amount to much. There is nothing wrong with someone trying to help rebuild a program so it can at least garner a bit of respect within it's conference. Who knows, maybe Jones won't be able to "hide" there and his name will draw some attention back to SMU with regards to recruiting.

Only time will tell.

[BlueMikey]

Yeah, but no one knew who June Jones was before, like, October 2007. Lute Olson to Arizona this isn't. Does he even have recruiting ties? When you spend that much time never recruiting off the islands, I can't imagine you know a single high school coach anywhere, let alone Texas.

[Itamicbomb]

Yeah, but no one knew who June Jones was before, like, October 2007. Lute Olson to Arizona this isn't. Does he even have recruiting ties? When you spend that much time never recruiting off the islands, I can't imagine you know a single high school coach anywhere, let alone Texas.

June Jones was an NFL coach and one of the first to use the run and shoot offense. Going to Hawaii was disappearing off the college map, too.

[Basketcats]

Yeah, but no one knew who June Jones was before, like, October 2007. Lute Olson to Arizona this isn't. Does he even have recruiting ties? When you spend that much time never recruiting off the islands, I can't imagine you know a single high school coach anywhere, let alone Texas.

I watched him coach the Falcons and the Chargers. He and upper management butted heads all the time. He is known. Trust in that.

[tstein7240]

Yeah, but no one knew who June Jones was before, like, October 2007. .

ummm... wasn't he an NFL head coach and very, very prominent NFL QB coach???


Does he even have recruiting ties? When you spend that much time never recruiting off the islands, I can't imagine you know a single high school coach anywhere, let alone Texas.

Kinda true...
- Jones was a coach with the Houston Oilers - so he knows that area well
- I think UH has 4 commits this year from the Houston area.
- His DC Greg McMackin came with him on the interviews. I am assuming he will join his staff in Dallas. McMackin was formerly a coach at Texas Tech

Yes, it will be tough to initially break through (SMU has forever had a tough time with the DallasISD - likely the intercity mentality vs. SMU-snob factor). But a big name coach, NFL ties, history of high power offense should help


For a school like SMU - that needs to engage with fans again and BE EXCITING - give me JJ over Franchonie, Larry Coker and the others being mentioned.

[BlueMikey]

I dunno tstein. I guess just be careful, simply wanting something to happen doesn't mean that it will, and I think there are a lot more signs than not that point to SMU not really being much more than they are right now.

I watched him coach the Falcons and the Chargers. He and upper management butted heads all the time. He is known. Trust in that.

I dunno, I mean, I didn't know he was an NFL coach. *shrug*

I don't follow it close enough to know but what they put on Sportscenter, but June Jones certainly hasn't been anywhere in the spotlight for incoming recruits, I guess was my main point.

I kind of look at UTEP. Conference USA, Texas school, and they hired a coach with a lot more name recognition and mainland college coaching experience than June Jones. Sure, UTEP poked its head up for a little bit, but it came back to Earth pretty quickly.

[ZONACAT]

Blue Mikey,

You have the wrong impression about the SMU program. TCU doesn't have have half the support that SMU has and look at that program. It might not compete for a National Title, but it is a sleeping giant of the non-BCS schools.

SMU has tradition, powerful boosters, facilities and now a proven head coach. That is usually the recipe for positive results.

[tstein7240]

I kind of look at UTEP. Conference USA, Texas school, and they hired a coach with a lot more name recognition and mainland college coaching experience than June Jones. Sure, UTEP poked its head up for a little bit, but it came back to Earth pretty quickly.


Are you comparing UTEP to SMU... or Mike Price to June Jones. If the later, I think JJ has more going for him that Price did when he came to UTEP. Heck, Price was trying to salvage a career... Jones is leaving at the top of his. Big, big difference.

If it is comparing UTEP to SMU as far as a football program goes, you need a history lesson. SMU was once one of the top programs in the country (originally back in the Doak Walker days, then fast forward to the Eric Dickerson/Craig James Pony Express days).

The big problem w/SMU is the death penalty ruined the program for 2 decades. But as Zonacat said - it has everything in place to (a) become prominent again (b) move to a better conference in the near future...

great location in the city of Dallas, great campus, alums waiting patiently for a good team to support, already a great game day experience (Tailgating on the Boulevard is a B-L-A-S-T - even if people rarely step foot inside the stadium for the game)...

Like you said - wanting something doesn't make it happen. But, before you speak about why they can't succeed, you should know a little history (ie: JJ was an NFL head coach ;) )

[BlueMikey]

I know all about SMU's early 80s championships and the death penalty.

I'm not saying that UTEP is exactly SMU or anything. But it is certainly similar. Price was not exactly far removed from the pinnacle, getting named Alabama head coach, of his career when UTEP picked him up.

You're telling me I need to know all this stuff, that June Jones was an NFL coach, and that SMU won championships in the early 80s (when the Southwest Conference was relevant), but what does that have to do with recruits? Incoming recruits now were born after even the death penalty ended. June Jones might tell them that when he recruits, but I think the response of most recruits will still be, "Who?"

All I know is that if I'm a recruit, and I'm looking at schools, what matters more to me is that I won't be in a big conference in front of a big crowd, I'll be at a school that most people have no idea where the hell it is in Texas, that I'll never have a game on television outside of Dallas, and that I'll be playing poor competition, not really ever getting a chance to showcase my talents. That I'll be playing for a coach who needed one of the easiest schedules in recent memory just to get waxed at his first BCS game.

Screw Doak Walker. He isn't playing for them right now. Out of all the teams that have won a national championship in the last, oh, 60-70 years, none is as irrelevant right now as SMU, not even close.

[Class of 1990]

Why doesn't TCU have support ?

Could they become major rivals ?

Bring back the SWC. :lol2:

[tstein7240]

Why doesn't TCU have support ?

Could they become major rivals ?

Bring back the SWC. :lol2:


TCU actually has pretty good support. But no where close to the support SMU had pre-death penalty. And no where close to the pent up support waiting for good football on the Hilltop.

They are already decent rivals... if SMU becomes a Top-40ish type program...it can turn into a very nice rivalry (with the thought that both are fairly small schools - thus not large alumni bases to build the hatred. It would probably end up a Dallas vs. Fort Worth type thing :) )

One "rumor" I heard in my office yesterday that was a possible "snag" in the JJ contract (causing the delay) was admission standards for players. SMU has some incredibly strict standards considering the are NOT a Stanford or Duke. Supposedly, they have relaxed them a bit...

[BlueMikey]

Supposedly, they have relaxed them a bit...

THE AD WANTS TO WIN SOME FOOTBALL

at all costs

[Adam Hawes]

Really thought Jones was going to stay at Hawaii, had no idea things were as bad as they have been made out to be at UH.

[the real dill]

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3196165

Back to the cellar for the Rainbows....McMackin gets the nod

[Itamicbomb]

Great hire. His teams were consistently in the top 119 in points allowed and yards given up.

[tstein7240]

I dunno tstein. I guess just be careful, simply wanting something to happen doesn't mean that it will, and I think there are a lot more signs than not that point to SMU not really being much more than they are right now.

.

step 1: biggest turn around in CFB 09' with a large # of freshman playing key roles - including the QB

step 2: blow out win in 1st bowl game in more than 2 decades

I like the way the signs are pointing

[Silversun]

He's a good coach, just don't like the way he tends to run up the score (look at his time in Hawaii w Colt Brennan and having big leads). And even tonight well up by 30 points and still going for deep passes.

[BlueMikey]

Good call. Will be interesting to see if SMU can break out of the confines of Conference USA to compete on any kind of national level. Houston peaked its head up a bit this year.

[tstein7240]

Good call. Will be interesting to see if SMU can break out of the confines of Conference USA to compete on any kind of national level. Houston peaked its head up a bit this year.

If I had control, I'd try to reorganize the old SWC... Would have a solid conference with Baylor (they can't compete in the Big 12), Houston, TCU, SMU... then maybe add a Tulsa, the New Mexico schools, UTEP.

Regardless... the DFW metroplex will have fun if SMU continues going up and TCU remains a top non-BCS school.

[Irish27]

Nice to see SMU back in the bowl scene. I was at the UofA/SMU game in 1985when SMU was ranke #6 and the Cats upset behind the passing of Alfred Jenkins. The UofA was able to keep Jerry Ball from having a big game on the defensive side. The Cats dominated that game. Their defense was very good that year but the offense struggled at times. Max was their best offensive weapon.

[Zona_Soccer10]

I don't think I've EVER seen such a baby-face football player as SMU's QB. :lol2:

[Class of 1990]

If I had control, I'd try to reorganize the old SWC... Would have a solid conference with Baylor (they can't compete in the Big 12), Houston, TCU, SMU... then maybe add a Tulsa, the New Mexico schools, UTEP.



Funny but I was thinking something similar to that the other day.

Maybe the champ of the SWC could meet the Mountain West champs for a BCS bowl guarantee.

Could you imagine the hype of a conference vs conference for a BCS slot ?
Played of course in Jerry's stadium.

One closer step to a playoff system.

[tstein7240]

Well... even though they lost to TCU tonight the June Jones experiment has been very successful so far.

Bowl win last year

Have been on ESPN 2x this season (even though I re-read this thread and it was said that their players would never be on TV)

This week, when Rangers are about to clinch and Cowboys are playing Houston... SMU/TCU was getting tons of local media. And even more, they have been getting tons of "water cooler" talk around the city.

[ZONACAT]

SMU should win C-USA and their recruiting has picked up. Believe they have a four-star DE from California coming in next season.

[AZCoachB]

I don't know if this is worthy of its own thread here but check out this awesome thread...

http://www.ponyfans.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=43725

The poll is funny. Also, on page 2 somewhere, somebody says there was a "monopoly money raining" incident that happened at the UofA...does anybody know what he's talking about?