DMN: SMU's Jones removes himself from Maryland search

[dcpony]

http://collegesportsblog.dallasnews.com ... yland.html

[smupony94]

SMU's Jones removes himself from Maryland search
Posted at 5:24 PM on Tue., Dec. 28, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
Kate Hairopoulos / Reporter Bio | E-mail | News tips

SMU coach June Jones indeed met with representatives involved with Maryland's search for a new football coach within the last two days, but Leigh Steinberg, Jones' agent, said Tuesday evening that Jones has removed himself from consideration for a new job - though he would not name Maryland - and is committed to staying at SMU.

Comcast SportsNet reported earlier today that Jones had met with Maryland about the opening. Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach is believed to be in the running.

Jones informed SMU athletic director Steve Orsini and president R. Gerald Turner this morning that he wanted to stay at SMU, despite Maryland's willingness to pay, with incentives, around $3.5 million, according to two sources close to the program, an eye-popping increase from the $2 million Jones makes annually at SMU.

Jones is in his third season at SMU and is preparing the Mustangs for Thursday's Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl against Army.

Jones is busy preparing for Thursday's bowl, so his long-time agent responded to requests for comment.

While Jones recommitted himself to SMU - he has four years remaining on his contract and his buyout is unknown as SMU is a private institution - issues remain on the Hilltop. Sources close to the program indicated that streamlining the academic process in admitting athletes and helping to keep them eligible remains a priority for Jones to take SMU to the next level.

[sbsmith]

That was quick.

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

Good for SMU to take care of this before it gets (too) out of control.

[skyscraper]

Cancel the purple hippo.

This is interesting, though:

Maryland's willingness to pay, with incentives, around $3.5 million, according to two sources close to the program, an eye-popping increase from the $2 million Jones makes annually at SMU.

[NickSMU17]

Probably another Power Play by JJ....

[dcpony]

Sources close to the program indicated that streamlining the academic process in admitting athletes and helping to keep them eligible remains a priority for Jones to take SMU to the next level.

Wasn't this issue addressed?

[smupony94]

Probably not all the way

[sbsmith]

Cancel the purple hippo.

This is interesting, though:

Maryland's willingness to pay, with incentives, around $3.5 million, according to two sources close to the program, an eye-popping increase from the $2 million Jones makes annually at SMU.

Wonder if that will be on the table for Leach.

[diamond_tom]

Sources close to the program indicated that streamlining the academic process in admitting athletes and helping to keep them eligible remains a priority for Jones to take SMU to the next level.

Wasn't this issue addressed?

Ask Darius

[skyscraper]

Probably another Power Play by JJ....

That's my thoughts, esp. whomever one of the sources are at the end indicating things he still wants changed.
Another off-season of turf battles b/w JJ and Turner???

[DanFreibergerForHeisman]

It's kind of nice to actually have somebody else after our coach.

[NickSMU17]

Interesting that JJ would not admit school he interviewed with but freely discussed salary...

[RGV Pony]

Interesting that JJ would not admit school he interviewed with but freely discussed salary...

as in "well, if any of yall are listening...someone tried 3.5 and it wasnt enough...so you know where the starting point is.."

[NickSMU17]

Check...