Moving On

Dave Koenig of the AP writes about June Jones taking the SMU job.

Stephen Tsai has details about the beginning of the end of June Jones' tenure at UH.

Jones approached Athletics Director Herman Frazier with a unique offer. Jones was entering the fourth season of a five-year contract in which he earned $800,016 annually, half of which was paid from donations.

Jones offered to sign a new five-year contract, taking a large pay cut that would reduce his annual salary to $500,000. The savings, Jones said, would be used to hire McKnight, create a non-coaching position for Davis, and boost the recruiting budget. The only stipulation was the deal needed to be completed in time for the start of spring practice in April.

Frazier rejected Jones' offer.

The article also includes some behind-the-scenes details, quotes from June's friends and supporters, a few words from June, a timeline of what happened, and the entire text of the e-mail he sent to Frazier in which he talked about his frustrations, recommended replacements, and said that it was just time to go.

Jason Kaneshiro has a recap of yesterday's UH press conference.

McClain and Hinshaw said the search for a new coach would begin immediately, with an eye on the Feb. 6 start of the signing period for incoming recruits. McClain said more details on the search process would be revealed after today's press conference regarding Frazier's situation.

Union rules call for a job to be posted for 10 days, but McClain said there is a possibility that period could be cut in half.

"I don't want to speculate on a precise date (to name a new coach), but obviously we're on the case and we're in a challenging situation," McClain said. "We know when the recruiting deadlines are."

Ferd Lewis and Michael Tsai writes about Herman Frazier's missteps, and the reasons why his contract can be terminated.

Under terms of Frazier's contract, he may be fired for cause for "a deliberate or serious violation of the duties set forth in this agreement or refusal or unwillingness to perform such duties in good faith and to the best of Frazier's abilities."

According to the contract, his duties include: "negotiate the contracts of all coaches and other staff members who work within the department and submit them for approval."

If fired for cause, the contract says, "the university shall have no further obligation to Frazier."

If Frazier is fired without cause, he must be given 90 days notice and be paid a year's worth of salary — $250,000, at this point in the agreement.

Dave Reardon writes about yesterday's UH press conference, Herman Frazier's imminent departure and possible candidates to replace him as AD.

Potential candidates to replace Frazier include HHSAA Executive Director Keith Amemiya, KGMB-TV exec Rick Blangiardi, Hawaii Bowl Executive Director Jim Donovan, Hawaii Community College Chancellor Rockne Freitas, San Jose State football coach Dick Tomey and Kamehameha Hawaii athletic director Bob Wagner. All have extensive local ties; four are former UH players and/or coaches.

The Star-Bulletin has a timeline of notable dates in June's tenure and a list of possible replacements.

Ferd Lewis discusses June's possible replacements.

Lewis also advocates for Dick Tomey to become, at least in the short-term, both AD and head coach!

Stephen Tsai advocates for Greg McMackin as UH head coach.

Dave Reardon writes the assistant coaches left behind are wondering who's in charge, even temporarily. Hopefully this gets resolved today.

Stacy Kaneshiro talks to UH recruits Christian Vasconcellos and Earvin Sione, whose status remain up the air as they worry if the next coach will honor their commits.

Alexandre Da Silva and Richard Borreca write about the lack of funding and support for facilities upgrades and management throughout the UH system.

Derrick DePledge writes about some of the hurdles in the way of getting funding from the State.

B.J. Reyes writes that legislators want to see June Jones' list of concerns.

Before leaving, Jones, in a letter to friends and supporters, had listed 19 concerns that administrators had failed to address in his nine years as coach.

Sen. Norman Sakamoto and Rep. Jerry Chang, chairmen of the higher-education committees in their respective chambers, said they plan to call in administrators to discuss the concerns raised by Jones and players.

Stephen Tsai talks to Colt Brennan about June's departure and the facilities.

Brennan said leaving Hawai'i at the same time Jones decided to end his tenure at UH made it "a sad day."

"But at the same time, it doesn't have to be an ending to anything," Brennan said. "It can be a step in the right direction if everything falls into place. We need the school to make the right decisions right now and focus on what's important, and giving us — the student-athletes — the best opportunities possible."

Brennan added: "I know Hawai'i will survive. But that's what Hawai'i's been doing. It's been surviving. We made it to the Sugar Bowl by surviving. Imagine if this place had better facilities. There are great people out here, people who go up and beyond the call of duty to do things for the school. That's one thing I tried to say last year."

Kalani Takase writes about a rally to support June and demand Frazier's firing in front of UH's Bachman Hall.

They also expressed anger toward the administration and began chants of "We believed, you should have, too."

"It hurts," said Lee Young of Makaha. "It hurts deeply. He brought Hawaiians together and he brought a level of excitement here we may never see again. It's just unfortunate."

Vili Fehoko, better known to fans as Vili the Warrior, also was there for support.

"These people here, they love this program and they love June. It's just really sad," Fehoko said.

Rosemarie Bernardo writes about the fans' reactions, and includes some comments from the UH Sports Extra blog.

Lee Cataluna, big UH football fan that she is, takes this time to lash out at June Jones. Auntie's angry!

And I just want to say thank you nui loa and mahalo very much to Coach Jones for all that he did for the program, the school, the state, the fans. We're sad to see him go and wish him all the best.