June Jones coaching days at the University of Hawaii may be over. Right now, he is on a plane on his way to talk to officials with Southern Methodist University about a coaching job there.

But before he left, he sent a letter to his friends hinting he's leaving. And we've got a copy.

This week, June Jones has been very tight lipped about his negotiations with the University of Hawaii and SMU. But tonight, KGMB9 has a better idea of what he's thinking. KGMB9 obtained a personalized letter that could end up on the desk of UH athletics director Herman Frazier.

June Jones left tonight for Dallas, unclear on where his coaching career is headed. But before leaving, Jones drafted a letter addressed to Herman Frazier that could serve as his resignation letter should Jones take the job at SMU.

In it he expresses his disappointment in UH's long overdue offer.

Jones writes, "all of a sudden today people are running around trying to get this done at the last minute when SMU shows interest. This just confirms to me the system and the people that make these decisions don't really get it."

Jones also suggests that there were opportunities for the University of Hawaii to ensure he remains Hawaii's head coach, but those negotiations never happened.

He says, "the way my contract talks have been handled is kind of the reason I am tired and why I just need to go. Had this offer come after the bowl game last year or even before the season. Or had it come to me as late as the Washington game it would have said to me. ‘Thanks June for a job well done.’ There would have been no negotiating. I probably would have signed it."

One month ago UH athletics director Herman Frazier seemed confident the school could convince Jones to stay.

Those close to Jones say the 54 year old is very torn on whether he's ready to take over another football program outside of the islands. Jones also points out that requests he's made have not been met for 9 years. Some of those issues are improvements to facilities, raises for assistant coaches and a limited recruiting budget.

In the letter, Jones writes, "It has been very hard the last few days thinking about the decision to leave a place that I love greatly. But you and I have talked many times about things that have concerned me. None of these things that concerned me were addressed in this offer."

Jones also suggests that this next deal will be his last coaching job before retiring.

Our source says this is just a draft letter and was not send the Herman Frazier. KGMB9 actually spoke to Jones tonight and he says this is actually a letter he sent to a few close friends and he did not expect it to go public. And yes, it has not been sent to UH.

And in the letter, June takes the unusual step of recommending 5 possible choices for his replacement. That's how much he cares about the program. He wants someone with a local connection to replace him. They are Kevin Gilbride, who is the offensive coordinator for the Giants, former UH coach and now San Jose coach Dick Tomey, Duane Akina who is now an assistant head coach at Texas, Punahou grad and Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow and UH linebackers coach Cal Lee.

How does it end? It says "believe me, I don't want to go. But it is just time to go. Mahalo June."

Related Stories:

Fire Frazier Campaign
Jones Names 5 Possible Replacements
Fans React to Jones Possible Resignation
June Jones: A Quick Look
UH vs SMU: Facts and Figures

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