Mon Jan 7 18:43:55 2008

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SMU hires Jones

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Dallas, TX (Sports Network) - SMU has named June Jones its new head football coach, introducing him at a press conference Monday.

Numerous media sources have reported the deal is for five years at close to $2 million per season.

"The commitment made by this University, the groundwork laid by my predecessors, the facilities - everything we need to be successful is here," Jones said. "When I met with President Turner and (director of athletics) Steve Orsini and the rest of the search committee, I saw the commitment from all of them to get back to the highest level of competition. If everyone's not on the same page, you're beat before you kick off. It's clear that everyone at SMU is on the same page. Everyone has that hunger."

Jones is fresh off a 12-1 campaign at the helm of Hawaii, the lone blemish a 41-10 loss to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, the school's first-ever berth in the Bowl Championship Series.

The veteran mentor, who turns 55 next month, went 76-41 with the Warriors, including 4-2 in bowl games, and his teams finished first in the WAC twice and second two other times.

"As a head coach, June Jones excels at building football programs and SMU is committed to rebuilding its football program" said Orsini. "I truly believe that we will be successful in reaching our goals with Coach Jones as our leader."

Jones has also spent time in the NFL as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and interim coach of the San Diego Chargers.

The Mustangs suffered through a 1-11 season in 2007, leading to the firing of coach Phil Bennett.