June Jones, the football savant with a huge heart for the underdog, passed away this past Wednesday at 73, leaving an indelible mark on Hawaii football that’s still felt today. While watching Kapolei dominate their way to the OIA championship game, it was impossible not to see his fingerprints all over the program, a stark reminder of his profound impact on the game and the lives he touched.
He Lived It: Riding 25 Miles For The Underdogs
Talk about dedication. Jones, a former national college coach of the year, didn’t just lend his name to a program. When he joined Kapolei in 2016 as a volunteer assistant, he wasn’t looking for a spotlight. He was there to get his hands dirty, mentoring players like Taulia Tagovailoa, Tua’s younger brother, and passing on decades of knowledge to the next generation. Kapolei head coach Darren Hernandez, who built that program from the ground up, wasn’t threatened by Jones’ legend. Instead, he welcomed him. Hernandez, a self-described “scrub player” from Campbell who just wanted to hit people, grew into one of the state’s elite coaches. He got it. He embraced Jones, telling Hawaii Prep World, “People say June coaching at Kapolei is a step down. It’s not about going down. Football is football. He loves Hawaii. He wants to be in Hawaii. It’s a natural fit.” And get this: Jones rode his motorcycle 25 miles from his Kahala home for *every single practice*, never once late. That’s not just showing up, that’s living the game.
From Scraps To Stardom: The Ultimate Second-Chance Coach
Jones became legendary at the University of Hawaii for giving guys a second chance, and man, did some of those chances pay off big time. Davone Bess, Pisa Tinoisamoa, and even the late Heisman Trophy finalist Colt Brennan all had brushes with the law before arriving at UH. But under Jones, they didn’t just turn things around, they became “masterpieces of accomplishment with good character,” going on to combine for an incredible 16 seasons in the NFL. Brennan’s life, tragically, ended at 37 in 2021 after struggling with addiction, a tough reminder that football success doesn’t guarantee an easy path. Still, his story, and so many others, underscore Jones’ belief in redemption. This isn’t just about the pros either. Dozens, probably hundreds, of players who came through Jones’ programs over the decades went on to raise families, find success in other careers, or stick with football as coaches. Think about Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, who’s now on the verge of landing an NFL head coaching gig. That’s Jones’ legacy right there: building people up.
The Torch Passed: A Mixed Legacy For The Next Generation
Perhaps the most direct reflection of Jones’ enduring influence is Timmy Chang, a husband and father of six, who now stands at the helm of the very University of Hawaii program where he broke passing records under Jones’ coaching. Chang led UH to three winning seasons as a quarterback and snagged MVP honors in two bowl games. But even with all that, his relationship with the Hawaii fans wasn’t always smooth, and it’s certainly not easy now with a 2-6 record. He set NCAA records alright, including one for interceptions. Still, under Jones’ leadership, this was the same UH program that once famously beat Alabama. Jones’ impact on Chang, and countless others, is a testament to a career built on passion, heart, and a relentless belief in the power of a second chance. He may be gone, but his spirit, his lessons, and his commitment to the underdog will resonate across football for generations. What a legend.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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