June Jones embarked on his football career as a quarterback, beginning with his college years at the University of Oregon and later transferring to the University of Hawaii. His time at Hawaii was marked by his strong arm and leadership on the field, which eventually led him to pursue a professional career in the National Football League (NFL).
In 1977, Jones entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Although his playing time was limited, he gained valuable experience as a backup quarterback. His tenure with the Falcons was brief, and he soon found himself moving to the Canadian Football League (CFL) to play for the Toronto Argonauts. This stint in the CFL provided him with more playing opportunities and allowed him to further develop his understanding of the game.
Jones returned to the NFL in 1982, joining the Atlanta Falcons once again. However, his playing career was cut short due to injuries, prompting him to transition into coaching. His first coaching role came in 1983 when he was hired as an assistant coach for the Houston Gamblers in the United States Football League (USFL). Working under head coach Jack Pardee, Jones was instrumental in developing the team's high-powered offense, which was led by quarterback Jim Kelly.
After the USFL folded, Jones continued his coaching journey in the NFL. He joined the Denver Broncos as a wide receivers coach in 1987, where he worked with head coach Dan Reeves. His ability to mentor players and devise effective offensive strategies caught the attention of other teams, leading to his appointment as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 1989. During his time with the Lions, Jones helped to implement a run-and-shoot offense, which emphasized a dynamic passing game.
In 1991, Jones returned to the Atlanta Falcons, this time as the team's offensive coordinator. His innovative offensive schemes contributed to the Falcons' success, and in 1994, he was promoted to head coach. Under his leadership, the Falcons achieved a 7-9 record in his first season, followed by a 3-13 record in 1995. Despite the challenges, Jones was recognized for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks.
Following his stint with the Falcons, Jones took on the role of offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers in 1998. His tenure with the Chargers was brief, but it further solidified his reputation as an offensive strategist. Throughout his coaching career, Jones was known for his ability to adapt and innovate, often employing the run-and-shoot offense to great effect.
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