In an impromptu address to his players yesterday afternoon, University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones said he will take the next few days to contemplate his future — options that include a possible offer from another school.

ESPN.com reported that Southern Methodist is prepared to offer between $1.5 million and $1.7 million annually for Jones to coach at the Dallas school.

Jones, who returned to town yesterday after coaching the Warriors in the Sugar Bowl, said he has yet to discuss the matter with his agent, Leigh Steinberg, who has had discussions with SMU officials.

Jones said he has empowered Steinberg to listen to offers. While Jones has not talked directly to suitors, he said, "Leigh has. I haven't talked to him about it. I haven't had time."

Jones added: "I'm going to take some time off, let Leigh do his job, and I'm going to analyze it."

Jones' five-year contract expires June 30. It pays an annual base salary of $800,016, of which half is raised through donations.

For book-keeping purposes, the contract is tied to the end of UH's fiscal year. But Steinberg said the contract calls for Jones to coach five seasons, and that Jones fulfilled the "seasons" obligation with the Sugar Bowl.

Steinberg said UH officials have not made an offer on a contract extension.

During a meeting with coaches last week, Jones said he would listen to other offers.

He reiterated those comments to his players during a meeting at Honolulu International Airport yesterday, soon after the team returned on a non-stop charter flight from New Orleans.

"He said he's going to be doing some things the next couple of weeks," quarterback Colt Brennan said.

He added that Jones said: "By the 14th, you should know everything you need to know."

Steinberg noted Jones is working on a tight time frame. The recruiting "dead" period, in which teams cannot evaluate or have contact with prospects, runs through Jan. 10. The ensuing two days are considered "quiet" periods in which recruits may be evaluated only on a college campus.

BRENNAN'S TAKE ON OFFERS

Brennan said he heard Jones has received offers from two teams.

"Coach Jones needs to do what's best for him," Brennan said.

Last January, Jones gave his opinion to Brennan, who contemplated leaving UH a year early to apply for the 2007 National Football League draft. Brennan opted to return for his senior year.

But Brennan said he will not advise Jones.

"I'm too young to be be telling my head coach what to do," Brennan said.

Jones signed with UH in December 1998, turning down an offer to remain as head coach of the San Diego Chargers. He inherited a team that was 0-12 in 1998. In Jones' first season as UH head coach, the Warriors went 9-4, the greatest turnaround in NCAA history.

In 2003, he agreed to a five-year contract extension.

"In my opinion, and this is speaking out of turn, but June, to me, has to do what's best for June," UH offensive line coach Dennis McKnight said. "He has given so much. He basically saved a program that was floundering in the water, that was on life support in the life raft. He brought it to the summit of national prominence. It's a name. It's a logo. It's a school that people recognize.

"I know the way he's thinking and feeling and agonizing over this decision right now, that this is where his heart is. But at the same time, from a business standpoint, when you're talking money and a challenge, sometimes a competitor loves a challenge. I know it's going to be a tough deal, and a tough decision."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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