Ticats hire NFL and NCAA veteran June Jones as assistant head coach

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have named June Jones assistant head coach.

Jones has 13 seasons of NFL coaching experience and 16 years at the NCAA level including seven years as head coach at Southern Methodist University. He served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994-1996 and was interim head coach of the San Diego Chargers in 1998.

The 64-year-old played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons from 1977-1981, then spent a year with the Toronto Argonauts in 1982. He also served as the offensive coordinator with the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1986. Jones is widely thought of as one of the architects of the run and shoot offence.

Jones has a longstanding relationship with Hamilton defensive coordinator Jeff Reinebold. The two coached together at SMU from 2008-2011.

There has been speculation about Kent Austin’s job security given the team’s 0-5 start. And Jones could be seen as a potential replacement.