Backlash causes ASU to turn away from June Jones

A few hours ago it seemed all but
certain that ASU would be hiring June Jones to replace
Dennis Erickson.

Now, apparently, there’s no chance of that happening.

Arizona Sports 620’s John
Gambadoro reports major backlash from the idea of
hiring Jones has led to Arizona State backing off, with
the school now looking to go in a different direction.

That, and as Arizona Sports 620’s Paul Calvisi
reported, “donor backlash” and “background questions”
became a big concern for Arizona State as the day wore on.

The move was puzzling to agent Leigh Steinberg, who
represents Jones. In a blog post
Wednesday, Steinberg wrote, “Just had one of the most
bizarre endings to a set of productive discussions to
bring a client to a new situation. Everything was set,few
tweaks left,and the principal decision maker yanks the
deal w no real explanation.”

That seems to go along with what ESPN”s Joe Schad said
when he tweeted, “June Jones had agreed to coach
Arizona State when call came that offer had been pulled.”

In fact, Jones was so confident he’d be taking the job at
ASU that he even called the man he’s replacing Tuesday
night to ask about the recruiting class, according to
Calvisi.

So where does ASU go from here?

Gambadoro reported that Tennessee Defensive Coordinator
Justin Wilcox could be a possibility for ASU, and you’d
have to think whoever the school hires won’t cause the
reaction Jones did. Looking at how Arizona Sports 620
fans felt, the decision to pass on Jones seems pretty
understandable.

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