Assistant Jones Leaving Utes for Job at Utah State
Well, we're not even back from Hawaii yet -- anybody wants to hear about taking two bumps for $1,600 in flight credits and two extra (free) nights in paradise, I'll be happy to tell you -- but there's breaking news today ...
Assistant coach Chris Jones is leaving the Utes to join coach Stew Morrill's staff at Utah State.
Couldn't reach Jones immediately to ask him about it, but coach Jim Boylen confirmed the move, expected to be announced soon. Jones essentially will be replacing departed assistant Don Verlin, who left the Aggies last week to take the Idaho job (woo-hoo!). The departure means the Boylen has two positions to fill on his staff, with former assistant Marty Wilson having left near the end of the season to become the associate head coach and head-coach-in-waiting at his alma mater at Pepperdine.
Wilson and Jones both had been retained by Boylen, when Boylen replaced fired coach Ray Giacoletti last year.
That raises the question of how well either of them truly meshed with a new coach who may have chosen them only under the duress of the situation, but they always seemed to work well and get along together -- so I suspect that both viewed their new jobs simply as better routes for their careers. Obviously, Wilson acted on a great opportunity, and with Boylen already working on bringing in somebody to replace him -- one of "his guys," of course -- I can imagine Jones potentially worrying that he might not necessarily move up the ladder of the coaching staff.
And that's just the way it goes.
We'll have more info as we get it -- hopefully, Jonesy will call back -- and keep you posted. And since we're finally about ready to come home, consider the blog back up and running for the offseason ...
Assistant coach Chris Jones is leaving the Utes to join coach Stew Morrill's staff at Utah State.
Couldn't reach Jones immediately to ask him about it, but coach Jim Boylen confirmed the move, expected to be announced soon. Jones essentially will be replacing departed assistant Don Verlin, who left the Aggies last week to take the Idaho job (woo-hoo!). The departure means the Boylen has two positions to fill on his staff, with former assistant Marty Wilson having left near the end of the season to become the associate head coach and head-coach-in-waiting at his alma mater at Pepperdine.
Wilson and Jones both had been retained by Boylen, when Boylen replaced fired coach Ray Giacoletti last year.
That raises the question of how well either of them truly meshed with a new coach who may have chosen them only under the duress of the situation, but they always seemed to work well and get along together -- so I suspect that both viewed their new jobs simply as better routes for their careers. Obviously, Wilson acted on a great opportunity, and with Boylen already working on bringing in somebody to replace him -- one of "his guys," of course -- I can imagine Jones potentially worrying that he might not necessarily move up the ladder of the coaching staff.
And that's just the way it goes.
We'll have more info as we get it -- hopefully, Jonesy will call back -- and keep you posted. And since we're finally about ready to come home, consider the blog back up and running for the offseason ...
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 4:17 PM |
5 Comments:
I think you are right. Jones saw little chance for promotion here. Plus, Stew is what, 120 year old? Maybe Jones thinks he can wait things out 5 years and then take over when the guy retires.
Jefe, describe this any way you wish but a move like this is a bitter pill to swallow for the Utes. Utah State? Come on. There are obviously underlying issues here. Be honest with yourself.
You're right Knaven. I tried to show some bravado, but really - HOW WILL WE SURVIVE WITHOUT JONES?!?! I'm in full panic mode right now. I may not survive the night. I didn't know Jones existed 24 hours ago, and now he has ruined my life.
As for the underlying issues, I thought Michael explained those well in the blog post. Jones was not Boylen's guy. They probably have differing philosophies on coaching and basketball. Maybe they don't even get along. Jones was a Giacoletti guy, and obviously Boylen and Giac are very different coaches.
As for Utah State, I have no problem with them. They have a great basketball coach and program. May Jones be successful there.
Right. I sometimes enjoy Kool-Aid too.
naven - There probably are underlying issues here. I mean, first Wilson leaves for a head-coaching job and now Jones. Maybe Boylen is the second coming of Majerus(BYU fans will love that), or maybe Jones and Boylen got into a fist fight, or maybe Jones stole Boylen's parking spot! The Ute program is definitely in trouble with all of the "underlying issues". Give me a break. Most likely, Boylen saw this as a chance to have his entire staff be made up of his own guys and encouraged Jones to take any opportunities that came his way.
As for Jones leaving Utah for Utah State, that is terrible right? It's almost as bad as someone leaving BYU for Fresno State.
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