Football
Associated Press 17y

Central Michigan names Butch Jones its new football coach

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. -- Central Michigan hired West
Virginia receivers coach Butch Jones on Friday to guide its
football program.

Jones, who spent seven seasons as an assistant at Central
Michigan before leaving for West Virginia, replaces Brian Kelly,
who took a job at Cincinnati last month.

This will be the first head coaching job at any level for Jones.
Before joining the Mountaineers in 2005, Jones coached tight ends
in 1998, wide receivers in 1999, and running backs from 2000-2004
for the Chippewas.

"Butch has all the skills to be a highly successful head
coach," athletic director Dave Heeke said. "We are fortunate to
have someone here from an outstanding program like West Virginia,
and his experience with one of the most successful spread offenses
in the country will help further develop our offense."

Heeke said Jones will provide the leadership necessary to
compete for championships every year.

"Growing up in Michigan, going to school in the state, and now
being the head coach at Central Michigan, it's obviously very
exciting," Jones said. "The last two years working for Rich
Rodriguez at West Virginia have completely prepared me for this
position."

Jones inherits a Central Michigan team that finished with a 10-4
record and a Mid-American Conference title this season. Kelly will
make his debut as Bearcats coach when they take on Western Michigan
in the inaugural International Bowl in Toronto on Saturday.

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