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Old Dominion hires Jeff Jones to lead program

Jeff Jones

American head coach Jeff Jones gestures during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Georgetown, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, in Washington. Georgetown won 65-48. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

AP

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With a move to Conference USA on the horizon Old Dominion filled its head coaching vacancy on Thursday, introducing former American head coach Jeff Jones as the new leader of the program.

Jones, who led American to two NCAA tournament appearances (three postseason appearances in all) during his 13 seasons at the Patriot League school, has 21 seasons of head coaching experience.

Jones spent eight seasons at his alma mater, Virginia, with the Cavaliers making six postseason appearances (five NCAA, one NIT) during his time in Charlottesville.

With the ODU program coming off of a five-win (5-25, 3-13 CAA) season this hire is an important one, and in Jones athletic director Dr. Wood Selig feels that he’s got the right man to turn things around.

“I have immense respect for Jeff Jones and his ability to lead a highly successful Division I men’s basketball program. Coach Jones is one of the most respected head basketball coaches in the country,” Selig said in a statement released by the school. “His head coaching career has been characterized by winning seasons and successful post season play. I know our student-athletes will benefit greatly from Jeff’s experiences as a college student athlete and head coach.

“He will run a model program from which our university and Hampton Roads community will take considerable pride. I enjoyed my working relationship with Jeff during our time together at UVA and I am very excited about the opportunity to join forces again on behalf of ODU.”

Jones replaces interim head coach Jim Corrigan, who took over after the school fired Blaine Taylor in early February. One of Jones’ first tasks will be to find a replacement for DeShawn Painter (13.0 ppg, 8.4 rpg), who led the team in both scoring and rebounding in 2012-13.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.