Posted at 4:05 p.m., Tuesday, November 6, 2001

June Jones denies he's leaving UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

June Jones emphatically denied he is considering leaving his job as the University of Hawai'i head football coach at the end of this season.

"No, I'm not going anywhere," Jones said. "Who would start something like that?"

Rumors circulating on the Internet and through the football program's booster club place Jones as a candidate for the vacant head coaching job at California or with the Oakland Raiders, should head Jon Gruden leave.

While Jones has received offers in the past, he told The Advertiser yesterday, "I'm committed to staying here. I'm committed to these kids and to this job."

When asked how long he planned to coach in Hawai'i, Jones said, "I hope I can stay my whole life here."

Jones said his focus is on Boise State, Saturday's opponent at Aloha Stadium.

His long-range goal, Jones said, is to build the Warriors' depth. He said that will take at least another two recruiting classes.

"I came here to do something and I want to build it and get it done," Jones said.

Jones has five years remaining on a contract that was extended after the 1999 season, his first at UH.

He turned down a four-year contract to remain with the San Diego Chargers, where he was interim head coach when UH called.

Meanwhile, it remains unclear whether weakside linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa, defensive end Travis Laboy or cornerback Abraham Elimimian will play against Boise State.

Tinoisamoa, who has a strained lower right leg, said he is able to run straight ahead, but is struggling to move laterally.

"It's somewhat shaky right now," Tinoisamoa said. "If I can play, I will. I'm not really sure what will happen."

Laboy, who has a sprained ankle, limped noticeably yesterday. But he walked without the crutches he used Monday. He said he did not know if he would be able to play this week.

Elimimian, who did not play last week because of a sprained ankle, said the injury has improved considerably .

"It's a lot better than it was last week," he said. "I should be able to go. Right now, it's crucial to work harder than everybody else."