UH working on extension of June Jones' contract

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Representatives are negotiating a contract extension for University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones.

June Jones said he'd like to stay at UH "for a while." Advertiser library photo

In December 1998, Jones signed a five-year contact with UH. It was believed Jones received a contract extension after the Warriors went 9-4 in 1999. But Jones told The Advertiser yesterday he has two years remaining on his original contract.

Jones said he would like to remain with UH "for a while," and negotiations, "I don't think, are about money. Obviously, I'm going to get paid. I don't think that's the deciding factor."

Jones earns a base salary of $250,000, of which $150,000 comes from the university and $100,000 from the program's booster club, Na Koa. He also earns a combined $70,000 annually for his radio and television shows. It is believed only the base pay from UH is guaranteed.

Jones said he has a non-monetary wish list, but "I don't have any problems with the way things are done. Anything that concerns me, I know we can deal with."

Jones said it was mutually decided, between his agent, Leigh Steinberg, and UH officials to discuss a contract extension. While Jones' name has circulated for at least two college coaching jobs, he has repeatedly expressed an interest in remaining at UH.

UH athletic director Hugh Yoshida declined to comment, saying, "It's a very sensitive issue."

Although UH president Evan Dobelle said he will pitch to the NCAA the idea of UH playing a 13th game this year, a sort of bowl game, it is apparently too late for such a proposal to gain approval. "I have nothing to lose by asking," said Dobelle, who offered to have UH pay for the game.

Warriors wide receiver Ashley Lelie gets a hug from the team's mascot after catching his first touchdown Saturday. The Warriors hope to hold on to Lelie, who can enter the NFL draft this spring. Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Jones said Tim Chang, who was leading the NCAA in total offense before suffering a season-ending wrist injury Sept. 29, will enter spring practice as the No. 1 quarterback. Nick Rolovich, who set several school passing records and went 8-1 as a starter, and backup Jared Flint have completed their NCAA eligibility.

Wide receiver Ashley Lelie, a junior, said he will decide in the next month whether he will apply for the National Football League draft. Jones is scheduled to meet with Lelie this week.

"Selfishly, I'd like him to come back," Jones said. "But I want him to do what he thinks is best for himself. He'll have time to evaluate what he wants to do."

Jones said the Warriors have available replacements for departing starting slotbacks Channon Harris and Craig Stutzmann. Return specialist Chad Owens is the leading contender to succeed Harris, and Nate Ilaoa, Britton Komine and Gerald Welch are in line to replace Stutzmann.

A greater challenge will be replacing center Brian Smith, who doubles as a long-snapper, and left guard Manly Kanoa III. Center Lyle Castro will not play next season because of personal reasons.

UH line coach Mike Cavanaugh said Derek Faavi is the top candidate to step in at center. Left tackle Lui Fuata, right guard Vince Manuwai and right tackle Uriah Moenoa are candidates.

On defense, UH loses defensive tackle Mike Iosua, but Lui Fuga, who did not play following off-season shoulder surgery, will be back. Isaak Sopoaga, the jewel of the last recruiting class, did not have enough college credits to play this season. But he is attending UH this semester, and should be available by training camp.

"It was a fun year," Jones said. "I'm glad the kids had a chance to win nine games. We felt we could have been better than that."

Jones said the recruiting targets are offensive linemen, defensive linemen, cornerbacks and another quarterback. Even if UH does not add another player, Jones said, "I think we'll be pretty good next year. We have a lot of guys returning."