In January 2025, University of Alabama head football coach Kalen DeBoer announced the addition of Jason Jones as the assistant defensive backs coach.Jones, a former Alabama player, brings over two decades of coaching experience to the Crimson Tide’s defensive staff.
Jones began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Alabama, where he played from 1996 to 2000.Over the years, he has held various coaching positions, including stints at Oklahoma State, Ole Miss, Florida Atlantic, Indiana, and most recently, as the cornerbacks coach at North Carolina. Throughout his career, Jones has mentored nine first-team all-conference honorees and 20 total all-conference selections.He has also coached four Jim Thorpe Award semifinalists and one Nagurski Trophy finalist, contributing to five conference championship teams and participating in 16 bowl games.
Coach DeBoer expressed enthusiasm about Jones’s return to Alabama, highlighting his extensive experience and deep understanding of the university’s culture.DeBoer remarked, “I’m excited for the opportunity to add Coach Jones to our staff. He has a proven track record of success with defensive backs, and I know he will be able to make a significant impact on that group along with our defense as a whole.” He further emphasized the value of Jones’s familiarity with Alabama, stating, “It is also great to be able to add a guy who played and coached here, and his knowledge of this University is invaluable.”
Jones expressed his excitement about returning to his alma mater, noting the special connection he has with Alabama and Tuscaloosa.He stated, “The University of Alabama and Tuscaloosa are special places to me. My coaching career started here as a graduate assistant, and to be able to come home and coach at your alma mater is truly a blessing.”Jones also conveyed gratitude to Coach DeBoer for the opportunity, saying, “I am so thankful to Coach DeBoer for giving me the opportunity to be a part of this great staff, and I am excited to be back. I can’t wait to get to work.
Jones’s addition is expected to strengthen Alabama’s defensive backfield.He will collaborate with defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist, who previously focused solely on cornerbacks.DeBoer noted, “We were kind of looking for the right combination as we work into the defensive backs and the coaching of that group as a whole. I love what we have there with Mo Linguist and now Jason Jones.”
The hiring of Jason Jones signifies a strategic move by Coach DeBoer to enhance Alabama’s defensive coaching staff.Jones’s extensive experience and deep ties to the university are expected to positively influence the development of the Crimson Tide’s defensive backs in the upcoming seasons.