Old Dominion coach Jeff Jones retires with 560 wins

Field Level Media|published: Mon 26th February, 14:36 2024

Nov 20, 2022; Charleston, South Carolina, USA; Old Dominion Monarchs head coach Jeff Jones signals his team in the first half against the Davidson Wildcats at TD Arena. credits: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports

Old Dominion announced the retirement of men's basketball coach Jeff Jones on Monday, two months after he had a heart attack at a tournament in Hawaii.

Jones, 63, was in his 11th season with the Monarchs following 13 seasons at American (2000-13) and eight seasons at his alma mater Virginia (1990-98).

Jones compiled an overall record of 560-418 while leading his squads to eight NCAA Tournament appearances. His Cavaliers won the 1992 National Invitation Tournament and reached the Elite Eight in 1995.

"I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to coach college basketball for 41 years," Jones said in a statement. "These past 11 years at Old Dominion University have been especially rewarding. ...

"Basketball has given me a life that exceeded all of my expectations. It is hard to step away from coaching, but I will always be grateful to the people along the way who made this career possible. Thank you to the players, the assistants, the administrators, the fans, the families, and the friends who have been part of this journey — you will be a member of my team for life."

Jones was named the Coach of the Year in the Patriot League in 2001-02 and 2008-09 and in Conference USA in 2018-19.

Jones suffered a heart attack during Old Dominion's trip to Honolulu for the Diamond Head Classic in December. He has also undergone treatment for prostate cancer.

Interim coach Kieran Donohue will remain in the position for the rest of the season. The Monarchs (7-22, 3-13 Sun Belt Conference) finish their regular season this week with games at Appalachian State on Tuesday and at Georgia Southern on Friday.

—Field Level Media