Former University of Hawai'i football coach June Jones will "very likely" participate in the Parade of Champions scheduled for Jan. 20 in Waikiki, Mayor Mufi Hannemann said yesterday.

The parade will feature the UH Warrior football team and the school's other conference championship teams, along with high school and intermediate school football champions.

"I told him we want him to come back so we can say mahalo for all his years of service and contributions to Hawai'i," said Hannemann, who said he spoke with Jones on Thursday evening. "He said it's on his priority list, and he would make every effort to come."

Jones on Monday became the new coach at Southern Methodist University.

The parade will begin at 4 p.m. at Fort DeRussy and proceed down Kalakaua Avenue, ending with a Sunset on the Beach event at Queen's Beach. Participants will include the UH marching band and Royal Hawaiian Band. The UH women's volleyball and soccer teams and high school football championship teams will be honored in addition to the Warrior football team.

The Sunset on the Beach event will feature live performances by Imua, Na Leo, Willie K and Augie T. Highlights of the 2007 sports season will be shown on the 30-foot movie screen.