By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Cincinnati Bearcats have hired Butch Jones to lead their football program. He replaces Brian Kelly, who departed the program to become the Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach.
Jones also replaced Kelly at Central Michigan. In three seasons with the Chippewas, he went 27-13.
“Butch Jones has proven himself to be a championship-caliber football coach,” Athletic Director Mike Thomas said. “I am impressed by the qualities he brings to the table, his knowledge of the BIG EAST Conference, and his desire to succeed. We’re proud to welcome him to the UC family.”
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This past season, Jones guided the Chippewas to an 11-2 record. The team will play against the Troy Trojans in the GMAC Bowl on Jan. 6, 2010, in Mobile, Alabama.
He guided the school to three straight bowl games before departing. The Chippewas also won the MAC Championship in 2007 and 2009.
The Saugatuck, Michigan native has won eight or more games in each of the three seasons with the Chippewas. He had eight wins each during his first two seasons.
The team then went 11-2 before Jones’ departure.
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Jones is taking over a team that 12-0 on the season. The Bearcats will play the Florida Gators on January 1st, 2010 in the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Before going to Central Michigan, Jones also was employed by the West Virginia Mountaineers, Ferris State Bulldogs, Wilkes Colonels, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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