Maryland athletic director Kevin Anderson can cross off June Jones off the list of candidates for the Maryland job opening. According to the AP, Jones has taken his name out of the running:
SMU coach June Jones has no plans to leave for Maryland.
Jones says he spoke by phone with a search firm, but had no discussions with school officials from Maryland. He has removed his name from consideration for that job, which is open after the Terrapins fired coach Ralph Friedgen last week.
SMU players said Wednesday that Jones told them in a meeting about being contacted by Maryland representatives and his commitment to stay at SMU.
With that, it looks like Maryland could turn their attention to their other candidates such as Mike Leach or Gus Malzahn. This coaching search will certainly be an interesting one, as the Terps seem obligated to the get the biggest name possible to justify the firing of coach Ralph Friedgen. Will Mike Leach provide that sizzle? Can Malzahn help put the butts in the seats? That remains to be seen, but as of now, June Jones looks like he won't be the one to take on that challenge.