Coach Jones: ‘I’d like to be back’
TICATS BEGIN DISCUSSIONS
Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach June Jones has begun discussions with the team about returning to the sidelines next season.
Jones met with CEO Scott Mitchell last week to set the groundwork for how and when a decision regarding his future with the club will be made.
“We had a long talk. We’ve settled on how we’re going to move forward. We’re going to get together in the middle of November and make some decisions,” Jones said. “My general feeling is that we have good thing going. We’ll see what happens. I’d like to be back.”
The 61-year-old veteran coach took over an 0-8 squad from Kent Austin in late August has led them to a 5-4 record while making an improbable — and ultimately futile — playoff push. He’s credited for not just improving the team on the field but changing the culture as well.
Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, who was named the starter after Jones took over and has played some of the best football of his career, says Jones’ impact has extended well beyond the playing field. “I would definitely endorse him for any job, not just here and not just football. He’s a great man and I’ve learned a lot from him on and off the field, and I definitely feel comfortable playing for him,” Masoli said. “I love the things he brings to the lockerroom, the family culture and environment.”
Masoli is one of several players slated to be a free agent in February, a list that also includes receivers Brandon Banks and Luke Tasker as well as Canadian defensive tackle Ted Laurent. Jones says he expects things will be clarified in plenty time for players to take coaching into consideration.
“I don’t want the players to have to deal with it right now but when the players have to make their decisions, everybody will know what the situation is,” Jones said. “Who the coach is going to be is a concern to them before they sign.”
Masoli said he hasn’t given his pending free agency much thought and won’t until the season comes to an end. He stopped short of tying his decision to return to Jones’ future but was unequivocal in his support.
“It’s too early, there’s a lot that has to shake out. The team has to do what they got to do and the season isn’t over yet,” Masoli said. “What he’s done this year, the progress we’ve made, should speak for itself. The whole momentum and swag of the team since he’s taken over is completely different.
“It would be a no-brainer for me to bring him back.”
Jones said he’s comfortable with the current front office setup which includes vice-president of football operations Kent Austin and general manager Eric Tillman.
Austin has two years remaining on the contract extension he signed 2016, but hasn’t publicly addressed his future.
“I think the situation is pretty positive right now. I’ve been allowed to do my job and that’s all I ask,” Jones said. “I’m not a player personnel guy, I’m a coach. They ask my opinion on players and I give it to him, but I want to decide who plays.”
There’s also the possibility Jones could return to the U.S. college ranks after largely successful stints at both SMU and the University of Hawaii. His recent run of success with the Ticats may be enough to put him back on the radar for NCAA programs in need of a turnaround artist.
“That always happens with success, it just comes with the territory but I don’t search out opportunities,” he said. “I haven’t had any of those inquiries but I’m not going to make the calls. Never have, never will. If they want you, they always come get you.”
Jones says he sees parallels between his SMU and Hawaii teams and what’s happening now with the Ticats.
“Historically with me, this type of year always happened before the big one — before we got it all together, you had to go through all this stuff,” he said. “I can see it coming. These kids are buying in and it’s coming together. It’s all positive going forward.”
But will Jones be a part of what he’s built?
He will head to Portland, Ore., to visit family after the conclusion of the regular season, then travel to his home in Hawaii in time for American Thanksgiving. Then, more discussions on his future.
“I think the owner is a good guy, I think Scott knows what he’s doing. I think this place is set up to have a good run,” he said. “They have a really positive flow to how they do things here. It’s all upside to me.”