Former Falcons Head Coach, Who Pioneered Run-and-Shoot Offense, Dies at 73

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach June Jones passed away at the age of 73 on October 29, 2026. According to his close friend Hal Mumme, Jones had been suffering from back pain due to a tumor and recently entered hospice care. Jones was widely known for pioneering and popularizing the run-and-shoot offense throughout professional and collegiate football.

Jones played for the Falcons before serving as their offensive coordinator and head coach from 1994 to 1996. He also coached the San Diego Chargers and achieved significant collegiate success leading the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors to a 76-41 record over nine seasons, later coaching at SMU. Tributes honoring his offensive legacy and mentorship were shared by the Falcons, Timmy Chang, and Emmanuel Sanders.