Former Hawaii coach June Jones comments on Todd Graham situation, open job

Former Hawaii head coach June Jones threw his hat into the ring this week for the open job in Honolulu. The Rainbow Warriors parted ways with second-year head coach Todd Graham over the weekend and Jones feels he could step in to right the ship.

“It’s heartbreaking to see the condition of the program right now, and that’s why I’m interested in even talking with [athletic director David Matlin] and talking with whoever’s making the decisions,” Jones said via KHON in Honolulu. “Hopefully I get the opportunity to do that. A unique situation that I’ve done one time and I know I can do it again.”

Hawaii had some of its best seasons during the nine seasons June Jones was at the helm. The Warriors went 76-41 with three seasons with 10 wins or more. In his final season, Hawaii went 12-0 before losing to Georgia in the 2017 Sugar Bowl.

Jones left Hawaii to coach the SMU Mustangs where he had an up-and-down tenure. He went to four straight bowl games with the Stangs before resigning after an 0-2 start in 2014. Opponents outscored SMU 88-6 in those two games.

Todd Graham resigns post at Hawaii

Hawaii Rainbow Warriors head coach Todd Graham resigned from his position, the school announced on Saturday morning. He spent two seasons with Hawaii, coaching in 22 games with an 11-11 record.

“We enjoyed many successes under his leadership even as he faced pandemic conditions, the withdrawal of Aloha Stadium, and the prohibition of any fans for nearly all his time with us,” Hawaii Athletics Director David Matlin said in a statement. “Todd’s tireless efforts as a coach have made a positive impact on many student-athletes. We have talked at length, and it is clear he has taken this action so that the football program can thrive moving forward.”

The decision came off the back of some controversy surrounding Graham. The Hawaii Senate’s Ways and Means and Higher Education Committee called a meeting a week ago during which several players spoke against Graham and his actions while at Hawaii.

Former Rainbow Warriors player Leonard Lee was removed from the team after speaking out earlier this year. He didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts about his now-former coach.

“He’s hands down the worst guy I’ve ever met in my life,” Lee said, via Vannini.

The Athletic’s Bruce Feldman also weighed in on the issue, citing conversations with other coaches. He shared a quote from one unnamed coach who backs up Lee’s claims.

“He’s a bad human being,” the unnamed coach told Feldman. “The truth is finally coming out on him.”

Graham released a statement as well when the news broke.

“Our staff poured our hearts and souls into our players and truly made a difference in their lives,” Graham said. “I could not have asked more of their commitment, work ethic and love for our players and football program. But it is clear to me that I must step away and do what is best for me and my family and my health. I honor, value and love all of my players and coaches and I wish you the very best. The University has not asked me to step down. I am leaving solely for my family and my health. We have laid a strong foundation for future success, and I will always be cheering you on!”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.