Feature story on JJ in the Star-Bulletin

About trying to turn the SMU program around, JJ said:
"This is a challenge, but we're getting better. I think we get one more recruiting class and we'll really be competitive in our conference." (HSB)

Comparing the situation with SMU now with his UH team in 2000, JJ said:
"I kind of see it more as 2000 more than '99. Right now the guys are buying like they did in '99, but the battle has been like the 2000 season for our first 15 games (at SMU). The kids are hanging in, bought into what we're doing and getting better. The department, the kids in the locker room, the attitudes, the equipment guys, the trainers, everybody. That whole culture has been pounded of losing for 25 years, so everybody's got to buy in." (HSB)

HSB Note: "Aside from Jones' presence, the practice field is dotted by familiar faces and sounds from his Hawaii days. Dennis McKnight's voice still booms across the field during special teams periods, while Dan Morrison, Jeff Reinebold and Wes Suan monitor their position groups. Former UH standout Adrian Klemm joined the staff this season as offensive line coach."

About how moving to SMU brought his close to his daughter (Nikki Mitchell, an SMU grad living in Dallas) and how he's enjoying watching his granddaughter (2-year-old Malia) grow up, Dan Morrison said:
"I had some phone calls from coaches that I don't really know in the country when this occurred. They were very happy because they said this business has a tendency to pull families apart, not put them back together." (HSB)

HSB Note: "The Hawaii transplants on the staff maintain their ties with the Warriors' current staff, and a few visited the team's hotel Monday night. Morrison said he keeps in close contact with Nick Rolovich, a pupil in 2000 and '01 who succeeded him as UH's quarterbacks coach last season."

Praising Rolo, Morrison said:
"We talk quite often about how things are going. He's going to be a terrific coach. He's got a great temperament for what he's doing right now and he really loves to learn." (HSB)

About how SMU's goal is to make a bowl game, JJ said:
"That's our goal, and we're going to fight our ass off trying to win six games. I hope we can be good enough to get there, but we've got a long way to go." (HSB)

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/sportsnews/20090930_Catching_up_with_Jones.html