Jones likely to stay at UH

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

June Jones is expected to remain as the University of Hawai'i's head football coach for several more years, his agent, Leigh Steinberg, said yesterday.

Jones has been mentioned as a possible candidate for the vacant head coaching job at UCLA.

"It doesn't surprise me," Steinberg said. "But his heart is in Hawai'i, and our expectation is he'll enjoy a long coaching tenure there."

Jones has a season remaining on a five-year contract he signed in January 1999. He said he will not discuss his contract until after the ConAgra Foods Hawai'i Bowl on Christmas Day.

Earlier this year, Steinberg said, Jones turned down a contract offer from Georgia Tech and declined to interview for the opening at San Diego State. Steinberg also said Jones had "several opportunities in professional football."

"June is going to be of interest to many different programs," Steinberg said. "But he is extremely happy in Hawai'i, and we expect to have a long and fruitful relationship with the University of Hawai'i."

Steinberg said there have been no negotiations with UH officials since Jones broke off talks on a contract extension in February. Steinberg said he expects negotiations to begin next month.

"He's certainly not in the market for another job," Steinberg said. "June is very happy at the University of Hawai'i."