HONOLULU -- June Jones accepted an offer Monday to coach at Southern Methodist University and leave the University of Hawaii.

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SMU officials introduced Jones as their new head coach on Monday to the media.

Jones said he was happy to take on the program that only had a chance of going up, but he said the decision to leave Hawaii was a difficult one.

"The hardest thing about leaving Hawaii for me is that it was more than just leaving. I'm very attached to the people of Hawaii and I'm very attached to my players, and that's a hard thing whenever that happens," Jones said during the news conference.

Agent Leigh Steinberg said the process was "emotionally wrenching" for Jones. The coach agreed to a five-year deal with SMU for about $2 million per year, Steinberg said.

SMU officials have been working since late October to hire a replacement to coach Phil Bennett.

Jones leaves after taking Hawaii to a Bowl Championship Series game. Hawaii lost to Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 after a 12-0 season.

Many have blamed UH Athletics Director Herman Frazier and the school administration for not improving facilities. Before the season started quarterback Colt Brennan complained about the state of the facilities, including the lack of soap at the locker room showers.

UH officials addressed Jones leaving on Monday. UH President David McClain apologized to the public for the move.

"I also want to apologize to our fans and to the state for matters getting to this stage in the first place," McClain said. "Exceptional performance deserves exceptional recognition, and your university was slow to step up. That won't happen again."

McClain and UH Manoa Chancellor Virginia S. Hinshaw said they would make finding a new coach their priority.

Hawaii made a last-ditch effort to keep Jones with a last confirmed offer of $7.5 million offer over five years and addressing the facilities issue, UH officials said.

Jones said it was just time to move on.

"He had to do what's best for him and it's a sad day, but like I said it doesn't mean it's any downtime. We can get somebody to replace him and maybe take Hawaii to the next level. So, we just gotta do what we gotta do," former UH quarterback Colt Brennan said.

Sources have confirmed that three Hawaii assistant coaches committed to leave with Jones. The coaches are defensive coordinator Greg McMackin, quarterbacks coach Dan Morrison and runningbacks coach Wes Suan. Brothers Cal and Ron Lee and Rich Miano confirmed they will remain at UH.