June Jones Arizona State: Breakoff in Negotiations Marks a Win for SMU

Despite a 23-28 career record at Southern Methodist, June Jones is considered one of the better coaches in college football.

Why?

Because he does the most with the talent he has.

That had formerly-ranked Arizona State come calling on Wednesday, and by all accounts it appeared the university had struck a deal with Jones.

But shortly after Jones had reportedly agreed to coach Arizona State, "major backlash" from boosters at the school apparently now have ASU backing off, per Phoenix radio show host John Gambadoro.

Jones has been credited at SMU for turning around a program that was at the bottom of the barrel as recently as 2008. After starting 1-11, Jones has led the Mustangs to three straight bowl games, finishing .500 or better in each of the last three seasons.

It would have been a bittersweet day for SMU if Jones had left the program. The same day that the school was supposed to be announcing it would join the Big East, with a future automatic qualifying bid in its sights, Jones was supposedly set to leave for Arizona State.

Now, after talks have broken down, there's still a chance that SMU could retain Jones as it gets set to join the Big East in 2013.

You have to wonder what the boosters' qualms with Jones were. He's widely respected throughout college football and now ASU is reportedly thinking about Tennessee defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox, who would appear to be a step down from Jones.

For SMU, it's a blessing.

For Arizona State fans, it should cause a riot.