Hawaii’s Jones to talk with SMU

Hawaii Coach June Jones said he would travel to Dallas today to discuss the opening at Southern Methodist.

Jones told the Honolulu Advertiser an official offer was expected to be made during a meeting with SMU officials.

Jones’ agent, Leigh Steinberg, said SMU had made an offer and the coach has received a counteroffer from Hawaii. Steinberg did not discuss specifics, but said Jones also was considering an NFL job.

SMU reportedly has offered Jones up to $2 million a year. He currently receives $800,000 a year from Hawaii under a five-year contract that expires June 30. SMU announced Oct. 28 that head coach Phil Bennett would step down when the season ended.

Alabama will play Clemson at the Georgia Dome on Aug. 30 in the 2008 season opener for both teams, their first meeting in 33 years. . . . James Hardy, Indiana’s career leader in touchdown receptions and yardage, will bypass his senior season and make himself eligible for the NFL draft. . . . Hawaii wide receiver Davone Bess is skipping his senior season of eligibility to make himself eligible for the draft, the school announced. . . . Florida defensive end Derrick Harvey also plans to skip his senior season and make himself available for the draft.

Texas has hired Auburn defensive coordinator Will Muschamp to fill the same role with the Longhorns. Muschamp was hired after spending the last two seasons at Auburn. . . . Reggie Herring, Arkansas’ interim head coach in the Cotton Bowl, was hired to become the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M.;