Tuesday, December 29, 1998
Jones ready
to make
big move
He wraps up some final
By Paul Arnett
business with the Chargers
before heading to Hawaii
Star-BulletinSAN DIEGO -- June Jones is showing off a place he is leaving behind.
His eyes have the look of a homeowner not quite comfortable with the idea of letting it go, but that's understandable.
The San Diego Chargers' office building is so sweet, it can handle a 60-foot spruce Christmas tree in the lobby with plenty of room for the star.
A winding 21st century staircase brings a visitor eye-level to the top of the tree and the pathway that empties into a lengthy hallway of offices. There are secretaries everywhere answering phones and questions at a telemarketing pace.
Jones doesn't take notice. He has just completed his final media act with the Chargers; a 15-minute session filled more with talk of quarterback Ryan Leaf than his own departure. You can feel his own relief of stepping out of that spotlight.
Jones is wearing a dark green sweatshirt and green shoes to match. No socks. Granted, he doesn't have the University of Hawaii emblazoned on his chest, but you get the idea it's moving day.
''You noticed that, huh?'' Jones said as he accepted congratulations from several people with a simple nod or thank you on his way to the head coach's office. ''I thought the green loafers were a nice touch.
''I woke up this morning very excited about this new job. It's what I've wanted all along and I guess I kind of realized that today. Sunday after the game, I was overcome with emotion.
''I felt for those guys because they played hard again just to come up short. I wanted to go out on a win so they could feel good about themselves this off-season. I was sad about leaving everybody behind. It was a very difficult day for many reasons.''
But that's clearly in his past as he walks into a spacious office worthy of a Disney executive. It's not his, something that becomes readily apparent as general manager Bobby Beathard walks in. He is startled by Jones' presence.
''You don't know how hard I worked to try to get him to take this office,'' Beathard said, a wistful tone in his voice. ''I'm glad somebody could get him in here.''
Beathard shakes his head in resignation and heads out the door.
''To me, this was Coach (Kevin) Gilbride's office, not mine,'' Jones offers as an explanation.
Gilbride was the reason Jones was sitting here in the first place. Even when he reluctantly took the title of interim coach after Gilbride was fired halfway through this season, he preferred to keep his own digs down the hall.
''That's why it's so clean in here,'' he said, moving toward a picture window that looks out on the state-of-the-art complex. ''Mine's a mess. I'm trying to get out of here with my 14-year-old daughter by Wednesday morning. I've got a lot to do in Hawaii the next few days.''
Jones halts his conversation and looks out on the two immaculate grass practice fields that resemble putting greens with stripes. To the far left, there is an artificial field as well that's in better shape than the one spread across Aloha Stadium.
''This is as good as it gets,'' Jones said. ''Nobody has anything quite like this. I'm glad to hear they're going to fix up our grass fields. The facilities are getting there. It's just going to take some time.''
As the hour wears on, that theme is repeated. Jones will spend the next few days getting his staff in place. That should be completed by Friday. He confirmed that he will run the offense, but that Wes Suan would wear the coordinator title quite well.
The offense will have a run-and-shoot base, but he will also use a tight end in certain formations. The defense will be an attacking 4-3, not too dissimilar to what the University of Arizona uses under the direction of defensive coordinator Rich Ellerson.
''I hope to have everybody named by Friday and be ready to recruit as soon as possible,'' Jones said. ''This is a dead period, so it gives me a chance to bring everybody on board and up to speed.
''I can't tell you how many inquiries I've had at quarterback. And we're going to respond to them as soon as the recruiting period begins again (next week). We also have several Hawaii prospects lined up.
''Our numbers are down and the only way you can build those back up are with local players willing to play every day. That will be a big part of our focus next year. I'm not sure when I'll even have spring practice.
''I'll probably push it back as far as I can just so we'll have time to meet as a staff and decide what direction we're going to take. I want to review film and analyze the players we have. I want to meet with every one of them individually, so it's going to be a busy few weeks.''
Jones will come back to the mainland and do some recruiting next month. He needs to pass the NCAA test, but he doesn't feel that's going to be a problem. What might be, is getting his family moved in by February.
His wife and two younger children are still in Atlanta. They want to have a house bought and everyone moved to the islands as soon as possible.
''This is a good opportunity, but it will probably take a while before we get it moving in a positive direction,'' Jones said. ''It's up to us to give our players the confidence they need and the belief in themselves that they can win.''
At that moment, Jones rises from a couch lining another wall of the office. He wants to go see Arizona head coach Dick Tomey later this beautiful San Diego day, so time is of the essence.
''With the help and support of our fans in the community, we're going to get there,'' Jones said, almost to himself. ''I believe we can get back to where Hawaii used to be and then take it from there. I was a little down yesterday. But today, I'm ready for this new challenge.''
Seahawks’
assistant to join
Jones’ staff at UHSeattle's defensive coordinator will
By Pat Bigold
handle the same duties for the 'Bows
Star-BulletinGreg McMackin, released yesterday as defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks, is expected to become the defensive coordinator and associate head coach at the University of Hawaii, the Star-Bulletin has learned.
The 51-year-old McMackin worked with new Rainbows head coach June Jones on the staff of the Denver Gold in the USFL in 1985.
He joined the Seahawks staff in 1995.
His college coaching credits include stints at Arizona (1968-69), Western Oregon State (1973-76), Idaho (1976-78), San Jose State (1978-83), Stanford (1984-85), Oregon Tech (1986-90), Utah (1990-92), and Miami (1993-94).
McMackin is a native of Springfield, Ore., and currently lives in Redmond, Wash.
He played defensive back at Southern Oregon from 1964 to 1968.
http://uhathletics.hawaii.edu
