Jeff Jones Resigns

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March 15, 1998

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Jeff Jones, men’s head basketball coach at the University of Virginia for the past eight years, has submitted his resignation, Athletics Director Terry Holland announced today.

He said Jones is meeting with the team tonight.

“Jeff has given a great deal to U.Va. athletics over the last two decades as a player and a coach,” Holland said. “The past three years have been difficult ones for our basketball program, however.

“Jeff has worked hard to turn things around and has always put his love for the University and the program ahead of other priorities. As difficult as this change is for both of us personally, it is time to look forward in the best interests of Virginia basketball.”

Jones’s resignation is effective March 31, Holland said. He will receive $600,000 in severance pay, as he is entitled under his contract.

Holland said the search for a new coach would begin immediately.

“Administrative duties will be assigned to one of our current coaches who does not intend to be a candidate for the job.

“Current assistants will be offered one-year appointments in the department, if not retained in their coaching positions by a new coach,” he said.

Jones, 37, was named Virginia’s eighth head coach in April 1990, after four years as a player and eight as an assistant to then-coach Holland. His teams’ record is 146-104, including the NIT championship in 1992 and reaching the NCAA Midwest Regional final in 1995.