Son of Weekend Watch List: A fond farewell to June Jones
A fond farewell to June Jones. SMU’s coach resigned this week citing personal issues. That may have been best for everyone involved.
Jones’ message clearly wasn’t getting through. His legacy, though, is vast. In his day he was Chip Kelly and Rich Rod rolled into one in terms of innovation. He and Mouse Davis turned the game on its ear hole with the Run and Shoot.
In six seasons he took the Ponies to four bowl games. That paled significantly to his Hawaii accomplishments. An awkward run at Arizona State three years ago essentially started a slow decline at SMU.
The SMU job is going to be one of the most pursued and lucrative in what has become an early kickoff to the silly season.
The school will pay for Jones’ replacement. Football still means something at SMU, especially with nearby TCU and North Texas prospering in recent years. Don’t forget Larry Brown’s basketball program. In the American Athletic Conference, there’s a chance to compete in a hurry. Commissioner Mike Aresco also will be pushing for a top candidate.
In no particular order, here are the best choices
Jake Spavital, offensive coordinator, Texas A&M: SMU would be a great starter job for a 29-year old who already has tutored Johnny Manziel and Kenny Hill.
Tom Herman, offensive coordinator, Ohio State: Urban Meyer’s right hand man who had developed Braxton Miller into the Big Ten’s best offensive player.
Mike Norvell, offensive coordinator, Arizona State: At 32, Norvell has been with Todd Graham eight years. A big part of great offensive teams at Tulsa and ASU.
Philip Montgomery, offensive coordinator, Baylor: A witness of and contributor to Art Briles’ rise from Stephenville High School to the Big 12 title. Montgomery has Kevin Kolb, Case Keenum, Robert Griffin III and Bryce Petty on his resume.
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