Sources: Jones to coach Bearcats
Cincinnati is tapping into the Central Michigan pipeline again.
Chippewas coach Butch Jones will be named the next Cincinnati coach, three people briefed on the decision told ESPN.com’s Joe Schad on Tuesday. Jones will succeed Brian Kelly, who was hired by Notre Dame after leading the Bearcats to a 12-0 record this season.
Kelly coached Central Michigan from 2004-06 before being hired by Cincinnati.
Jones is 26-13 in three seasons with Central Michigan. He led the Chippewas to an 11-2 mark and a berth in the GMAC Bowl this season.
Bearcats offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn has been preparing Cincinnati for the Allstate Sugar Bowl appearance against Florida. Quinn, who was an assistant at Central Michigan with Kelly, had expressed interest in retaining the top job.
It’s unclear whether Jones would coach Cincinnati in its bowl game Jan. 1. The Chippewas will play Troy in the GMAC Bowl on Jan. 6.
ESPN.com
12/15/9
