Why JJ came to SMU

[mr. pony]

With news that JJ hasn't signed his extension, it got me to wondering:
What is the mysterious reason he's spoken of for coming to SMU?
I've always thought it was: get into a BCS conference, win a national championship.

Any other guesses?

[Billy Joe]

$$$$$$

[The PonyGrad]

$$$$$$

That is not the mystery part.

[ReedFrawg]

I can name 2 million reasons per year.

[WorldStang]

I don't know that it matters if we find out what it was..

I have a crazy feeling he's on his way out if SMU can't let him have the players he wants..

If things don't change soon.. makes me wonder if he has better opportunites or other mystery reasons to move elsewhere?

[ponyboy]

But JJ HAS signed his extension.

[EastStang]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/112809dnsposmulede.2fb3f98be.html
That's what this article indicates.

Or this one.

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/SMU-Signs-June-Jones-to-Contract-Extension-76595372.html

So did the Observer Lie, or the Dallas New and NBC lie?

[MustangMan2001]

But JJ HAS signed his extension.

no

[peruna11]

So is the confusion on this issue the difference between "agreed to terms" and "signed"?

It is my understanding he has not signed the extension, but the previous articles do lead you to think otherwise.

[couch 'em]

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/112809dnsposmulede.2fb3f98be.html
That's what this article indicates.

Or this one.

http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/sports/SMU-Signs-June-Jones-to-Contract-Extension-76595372.html

So did the Observer Lie, or the Dallas New and NBC lie?

Well well well

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

[Mexmustang]

The dollars were important to June, but primarily as a point of priciple--he believes that he is worth it. He walked away from a $2.5MM offer to become the head coach at San Diego, when he agreed to go to Hawaii for a fraction. Those of you that truely believe he came here for $2.0MM don't know him, besides he could have gotten that amount at a number of big-time programs without small-time presidents.

[smuuth]

My guess is that the money was only a small part. I would guess that a successful coach his age who has an ego but not one that demands he move up to bigger and supposed better jobs with more pressure. I think the appeal of SMU would have been that he would be in a state with numerous recruiting advantages(although he doesn't seem to have taken advantage of that yet) although he is down the list of college coaches in Texas as far as prestige and relationships with high school coaches go. Being able to assemble a staff, many of whom are good friends< and being given pretty much a free hand to do things his way without too much interference and the realization that even winning seasons and an occassional bowl would be great accomplishments for the next few years. I bet he is disappointed in the lack of backing and people not supporting the program more after last year's breakout season. And north Texas is such a great place to live for those who want an active lifestyle and entertainment galore.

[smusic 00]

I think a lot of PonyFans need to read (or reread maybe) "Warrior Football" and get a better understanding of Jones and his staff. He doesn't operate in the same sphere as the rest of the football world.
He states in the book what he believes his calling in life to be and how football has helped him to realize that calling. I think that has more to do with his mystery goals than anything else. The whole idea of a second chance/born-again and so forth...

[Longtime]

besides he could have gotten that amount at a number of big-time programs without small-time presidents.

That's what Mike Leach's supporters said, and nobody ever really pursued him while he was at Tech. In fact, Leach (or his reps) were begging schools to show interest in him.

Leach and JJ are cut from the same "mad scientist" cloth - the kind that most big-time programs shy away from.

[smusic 00]

Like the San Diego Chargers?