Butch Jones Accepts Tennessee’s Offer
By Mel Payne
Sep 6, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Butch Jones reacts to a call during the first half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
After a week that saw a lot of turmoil surrounding the head coach, the reason for Butch Jones’ passing on Colorado is revealed. The University of Cincinnati’s head coach for the past three years has accepted an offer to become the new Tennessee Volunteers football head coach.
This news comes after three days of anticipation and confusion for Bearcat fans. After it was reported that Jones had interviewed with Purdue and Colorado, Cincinnati fans went on “Jones Watch”. He turned down the Purdue job quickly, but Colorado still hung in the wings.
On Wednesday night, it was reported first by the Denver Post that Jones had accepted the offer to coach the Buffaloes and would be leaving the Bearcats. However, that report was quickly snuffed by Jones, who said he had made no such agreement with the school.
On Thursday afternoon, Butch Jones finally made a decision. The decision left Colorado still in the hunt for a new head coach and the University of Cincinnati relieved, hoping they still had a shot at retaining their football program’s head coach.
That notion was also short lived in this saga, which has become Butch Jones and his decision. Early this morning, it was announced by both the University of Cincinnati and Tennessee that Jones has accepted the head coaching position with the Volunteers. This may come as no surprise to many who speculated this may be the ending destination for Jones, after Louisville’s Charlie Strong turned down the Vols earlier in the week.
Cincinnati will now begin their quest for its fourth head coach since 2006. The school seems to be a stepping stone for those looking to better their careers at larger institutions. The University said that their search is beginning immediately and they feel like they will be an attractive option for coaches looking for a move.