That all changed, however, with the hiring of June Jones as their head coach in January of 2008. In less than two full seasons, the former Hawaii coach has SMU at 6-5 in 2009 with one game remaining and on the verge of their first bowl appearance in over 20 years.
And now Jones is being rewarded for his resurrection of a moribund program.
According to the school in a press release, Jones -- who signed a five-year, $10 million upon his hiring -- has been given a two-year contract extension that would keep him in University Park through the 2014 season.
"I have said since my arrival that we will win at SMU," athletic director Steve Orsini said in a statement. "Coach Jones has established a winning culture in our football program and we want to recognize and reward that. 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."
No financial details of the extension were given in the release.
