The NCAA has recognized Ernest T. Jones as one of 20 ethnic minority coaches to participate in the second annual NCAA Advanced Coaching Program. The NCAA established the Coaches Academy in 2003 to assist ethnic minority coaches in pursuing head coaching positions, to provide exposure and to reinforce the skills many ethnic minority coaches have.

Currently, there are four ethnic minority coaches out of 117 Division 1-A schools. “These 20 guys are qualified and capable, and the NCAA backs them,” said Jones.

Jones serves as the defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach for the Yeomen football program. He has helped develop NCAC All-Conference linebackers senior Vinnie Hachigian and junior Vance Murphy. “My experience at Oberlin has allowed me to coach a well-rounded group of kids who work hard and are big on academics,” said Jones.

Jones believes his experience and mentorship under Head Coach Jeff Ramsey has reinforced his motivational techniques and ability to coach athletes who are students first.

Jones previously coached at Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Ky., where he served as a defensive backs coach/recruiting coordinator. Jones guided the squad to a 7-4 overall record and a second place finish in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The defensive unit finished second in total defense in the SIAC in 2003, an improvement from finishing in ninth in 2002 and eighth in 2001.