Nov. 27, 2009

DALLAS (SMU) - SMU head football coach June Jones has agreed to a two-year contract extension that will keep him on the Hilltop through the 2014 season, Director of Athletics Steve Orsini announced Friday.

Jones, who is in his second season at SMU, has the Mustangs on the verge of their first bowl game since 1984 and in contention for the Conference USA championship. SMU is tied with Idaho for the biggest turnaround in the nation this season, improving its 2009 record by five wins over its 2008 results, and, with a win over Tulane in Saturday's regular season finale, would post its most wins in a single season since 1984.

"I have said since my arrival that we will win at SMU. Coach Jones has established a winning culture in our football program and we want to recognize and reward that," said Orsini. "This contract extension is a clear statement of our mutual commitment to building on the foundation he has helped establish."

"On behalf of the SMU community, I want to congratulate Coach Jones on the outstanding job that he has done with our football team," President Gerald Turner said. "Football is an integral part of the campus experience and he is reestablishing a winning tradition and a rallying point for the entire University."

"I'm very appreciative of this contract extension and am excited about the direction of the program," said Jones. "I want to thank Steve and President Turner for believing in what we're doing as a team and as a coaching staff. They have been tremendous in terms of their cooperation in rebuilding our program. Their support and the support of the SMU community as a whole have set the table for us to be successful for years to come."

Jones and the Mustangs host Tulane on Saturday, Nov. 28, at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. For tickets, call 214-SMU-GAME.