Jones says no to OSU

By Stephen Tsai and Ferd Lewis
Advertiser Staff Writers

University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones said he has taken himself out of any consideration for the vacant job at Oregon State.

Jones said, "I told them I couldn't leave my players after telling them (UH) I would be here."

Jones, who has a year left on the original five-year deal he signed with the Warriors in December of 1998, said that while, "it (the job) was never offered to me," he has twice talked with Beavers' representatives.

He said those included discussions "with the selection committee" and "boosters." Jones said his last contact with OSU was Thursday and lasted "about an hour."

The Beavers are seeking a replacement for Dennis Erickson, who left Tuesday to take the San Francisco 49ers' job.

Jones said he was contacted the last two times the Beavers had openings to see if he was interested and made recommendations about other candidates.

Meanwhile, UH officials said they were surprised to learn of a published report that Oregon State pursued Jones without first contacting the school. Athletic director Herman Frazier said: "Oregon State did not contact us" nor ask for permission to contact Jones or his agent, Leigh Steinberg.

Jones, who has been involved in on and off contract extension negotiations with UH for 14 months, has extensive ties to Oregon, where he was born and raised. He attended the University of Oregon before coming to UH in 1973 and played for two years at Portland State after leaving UH. Jones' father and brother live in the Portland area, as have his wife and son since their separation.

"I think June has said he wants to stay here, and the university would like to keep him here," Frazier said.