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A report from Dallas noted that SMU was interested in Hawai'i's June Jones. Jones is quoted as saying he is not interested. It would be a curious move, despite a bump in pay, from the WAC to Conference USA. Larry Coker and Dennis Franchione are still in the running. One source says that SMU is considering Rick Neuheisel, despite his history, and that the school is no longer on edge about potential NCAA issues. The Mustangs are waiting to see if Neuheisel goes to UCLA.

www.footballrumormill.com

Oh boy, do I need a drink

How do you introduce your man if he was available five weeks ago?

"This is our new coach. We tried our best for five weeks to find somebody with more character and better qualifications than him, but now we are ready to move forward with him..."

Maybe they are waiting until the end of the year so they can have the final "best coach available" rankings.

I'm not saying JJ will wind up at SMU, but it sounds like he may not be at Hawaii next year:

Quotes from a longer article:

At yesterday's news conference, Jones spoke lovingly of Hawaii and its people. But he would not go as far as to say he will definitely be back to coach the Warriors in 2008 for a 10th season, after leading UH to unprecedented heights, including a No. 10 ranking and the only unbeaten record in the nation.

Frazier said last month work has begun on a multi-year extension. But there is no done deal, no agreement in principle.

"Like other years, Leigh is taking care of it," Jones said yesterday. "When this game (against Georgia on Tuesday) is over I'll take some time off and analyze everything."

The football budget of $2.2 million for 10th-ranked Hawaii, is minuscule in comparison to BCS conference teams, like Georgia.

"In reality, if you wanted to do this every year, you need (financial) help," Jones said.

Jones said he receives inquiries about NFL jobs "every year."

With Heisman-finalist quarterback Colt Brennan and between 10 and 12 other starters moving on after the Sugar Bowl, it seems like if Jones were ever to move on to another challenge, this would be it.

Former UH basketball player Artie Wilson is one of Jones' best friends, going back to when they grew up together in Portland, Ore.

"That's a very good question," Wilson replied when asked if he thought Jones might end his UH career at the end of this season. "June loves Hawaii and the kids. I think it would take an unbelievable opportunity."

To keep Jones?

"Not only a good contract, but a better working environment," Wilson said. "Not make everything such a battle. Why should he always have to climb uphill just to get bare essentials?"

Jones was only half-joking yesterday when he complained about a carpet in his office having been installed when [deleted] Tomey was UH coach in the 1980s.

"The (administration) has got to recognize if he doesn't stay, we're starting over," Wilson said.

Unfortunately, he'll have a nice office, nice facilities at SMU, but he'll have to climb uphill to get the faculty and administration to see things his way.

EastStang wrote:Unfortunately, he'll have a nice office, nice facilities at SMU, but he'll have to climb uphill to get the faculty and administration to see things his way.

If he comes here, I'm sure he is smart enough to get that straightened out ahead of time.

If he comes to SMU it will be about money and the chance to feel appreciated.

Billy Joe wrote:If he comes to SMU it will be about money and the chance to feel appreciated.

I promise I will appreciate him

Me too.
He's running out of time to "get that straightened out ahead of time" though.

Billy Joe wrote:If he comes to SMU it will be about money and the chance to feel appreciated.

Well, I hope Orsini isn't moping around this holiday season humming -- money can't buy me love.

EastStang wrote:Unfortunately, he'll have a nice office, nice facilities at SMU, but he'll have to climb uphill to get the faculty and administration to see things his way.

He's used to being at odds with the administration. At Hawaii, they are at odds mainly because of their small budget and how they should spend the BCS money.