RALEIGH – In a surprising leadership shift, Shaw University has parted ways with football head coach Adrian Jones after eight seasons at the helm, marking the end of a tenure that saw the program's gradual transformation from a struggling team to a competitive CIAA contender.
When Jones took over in 2015, the Bears were mired in a challenging 1-9 season. Over the next eight years, he methodically rebuilt the program, establishing Shaw as a formidable force in the CIAA Southern Division.
The university's athletic department, led by George Knox, expressed gratitude for Jones's contributions while signaling a desire to elevate the program to new heights. The decision comes on the heels of a 4-3 conference record in 2024, good for sixth place in the CIAA, and a regression from the Bears’ string of division runner-up finishes from 2018-2022.
Jones's legacy at Shaw is marked by consistent player development, with multiple athletes earning All-CIAA honors each season. In 2018, linebacker Devon Hunt was named CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, and the program consistently placed players on all-conference and all-region teams.
Prior to Shaw, Jones brought a rich coaching background from North Carolina Central University and a successful high school coaching stint at Southern High School, where he led the team to a state championship in 2013.
The university has launched a national search for Jones's replacement, aiming to build upon the foundation he established.
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