Columbus, OH - SEC teams outside of Alabama cheered today and Big Ten teams outside of Columbus cowered in fear. The reason for such reaction? Aaron Jones has decided to not renew a contract to coach the Crimson Tide and instead turned his focus to attempt to restore order at The Ohio State University.
Jones, a young coach at 36 now and with only five seasons under his belt at the Division 1 level has already become a legend amongst the coaching fraternity having posted a 68-0 career record with 5 BCS Titles to his credit. He was a surprise hire at Minnesota to begin the 2010 season as a complete off the radar coach. He promptly shocked the college world by leading the Gophers to back-to-back national titles before bolting for the University of Alabama and their rich tradition and fertile recruiting ground. Jones put together 4 top rated recruiting classes at Bama and led the Tide to 3 consecutive national titles. 'Minnesota was a tough job. Their facilities and academics are top notch, but the lack of tradition and lack of a consistent solid recruiting base made things difficult. When Alabama came calling I felt it was the right time to make a move. They are an historically powerful team and with the high school talent in the southeast it made for a much easier job. We had top talent beating our door down, it freed up time for the staff to focus on solid gameplans.' said Jones.
The move to Ohio State will be a true test for Jones' talents. The Buckeyes have slipped in the last 5 seasons, losing to Michigan 4 years in a row which opened the door for a new hire as Jim Tressel was let go. Jones moves from an Alabama team that started 5 star recruits at nearly every position to a team that has struggled to finish in the top 40 in terms of recruiting classes for the past few seasons. Ohio State still has plenty of things going for it. Their history, academics, location, fan base, facilities and campus are all top notch. Combine those advantages with the ability of Jones to secure top talent and it's no wonder opposing coaches in the conference are a bit worried. 'He's done it in this conference with a bottom dweller, there's no reason to think for a minute that Ohio State won't be back on top, maybe even this season.' commented an opposing Big Ten coach.
'I've given my heart and soul to the University of Alabama and it exceptionally passionate fans. We had an amazing run the last three seasons. Upon reflection, I feel that there is little more I can accomplish at this school and have decided to take the position at Ohio State to present myself with new challenges. I look forward to rebuilding the Buckeye program and to take that school to heights it never dreamed possible and I wish the University of Alabama continued success. I have a feeling that the Crimson faithful have not seen the last of me. I can only hope that The Ohio State University and the University of Alabama have the chance to meet in the future. With the talent in Tuscaloosa, I'm sure that will be the case. Good luck and thank you all for a great ride.' said Jones of his departure.
A quick side note, the Jones hire has already paid off for Ohio State as he vaulted the Buckeyes' recruiting class into the top 10 for the first time since 2011 and has already inked a 5 star recruit for next season.
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