Rob Jones: A New Leader for Men’s Basketball

A new men’s basketball coach with NCAA Division I experience has been hired by Cedarville University to lead the Yellow Jackets program. Rob Jones, most recently at Liberty University, has been selected as the next men’s basketball head coach at Cedarville.

At Liberty, Jones served as the associate head coach for the Flames. This is his first head coaching position.

“It is with great excitement that we introduce Rob Jones as our new men’s basketball coach,” said Chris Cross, vice president for athletics.  “Rob displays the desire to disciple young men and to see student-athletes succeed on and off the court. He is an outstanding coach who brings enthusiasm and a love for Christ along with a servant leader mentality.”

Jones, 46, possesses 20 years of collegiate coaching experience including the last 19 at the NCAA Division I level.

During his two seasons at Liberty, the Flames piled up 45 victories featuring the 2023 ASUN regular season title as well as the school’s first appearance and victory in the NIT.

“My wife and I are grateful to President White and Athletic Director Chris Cross for the opportunity to lead the Cedarville program,” Jones said. “This is a tremendous honor and a responsibility that I embrace with deep commitment and enthusiasm.”

 Jones’ interest in becoming Cedarville’s seventh head basketball coach in the last 70 years, comes, in part, to his commitment to modeling the university's mission.  

“The mission to glorify God through academic and athletic achievement resonates deeply with me,” added Jones. “We are excited to have the opportunity to build upon the rich tradition of Cedarville Basketball.”

Jones spent 17 years at the University of Richmond. He was the associate head coach from 2015-22, assistant coach from 2008-15, and the director of basketball operations from 2005-08.

Jones saw the Spiders achieve eight 20-win seasons, nine postseason appearances, two Atlantic 10 titles, and a pair of final Top 25 rankings.

“To put it in baseball terms, Cedarville University hit a home run with the addition of Rob Jones to their community,” said Ritchie McKay, head basketball coach at Liberty University. “Not only is Rob a fabulous basketball coach with a great strategic acumen, he is a fabulous person. His genuine, servant nature has been a gift to our program and campus, and he will continue to build on the tradition that Coach Estepp has established all while intentionally depositing into the spiritual and personal development of everyone he comes in contact with.”

Jones spent the 2004-05 campaign at Division II Alabama-Huntsville as an assistant coach. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Salem High School in Georgia from 2002 through 2004.

 “Our focus will be on winning at the highest levels with an emphasis on spiritual development, academic achievement, and personal growth as our core foundation,” added Jones. “Our student-athletes will leave Cedarville University as well-rounded individuals equipped to make a positive impact on our world.”

Jones is a 2001 graduate of Toccoa Falls College where he was an All-NCCAA South Region performer on the hardwood.

The Jefferson City, Missouri. native was a two-time all-conference and all-district player during his prep career at New Bloomfield High School. As a junior he helped lead his team to the state semifinals.

Rob and his wife, Kris, have been married for 23 years.

Cedarville University competes in NCAA Division II and the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Yellow Jackets are a charter member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduate programs. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.

Rob Jones Coaching Video (courtesy of Liberty University): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rizFkPWhtj4

Rob Jones File:

Liberty University - Lynchburg, Va.

Associate Head Coach, 2022-24

University of Richmond - Richmond, Va.

Associate Head Coach, 2015-22

Assistant Coach, 2008-15

Director of Basketball Operations, 2005-08

University of Alabama-Huntsville - Huntsville, Ala.

Assistant Coach, 2004-05

Salem High School - Salem, Ga.

Assistant Coach, 2002-04

Coaching Accolades:

NCAA - 2022, 2011, 2010

NIT - 2023, 2021, 2017, 2015

CBI - 2013, 2009, 2008

2023 ASUN Regular Season Champions

2022 Atlantic 10 Champions (NCAA Round of 32)

2011 Atlantic 10 Champions (NCAA Sweet 16)

Final national rankings of No. 21 in 2010-11 and No. 24 in 2009-10

Assisted in coaching nine 20-win campaigns

15 wins over nationally ranked opponents

31 wins over Power Conference teams including: Alabama, Arizona State, Boston College, California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri, North Carolina State, Purdue, Rutgers, Seton Hall, South Florida, St. John’s, Temple, Vanderbilt, Villanova, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, Wisconsin, and Xavier

Coached 4 All-Americans and 30 All-Conference players

28 former players have played professionally

What They Are Saying:

CHRIS MOONEY, Head Coach, University of Richmond

“Rob Jones is an outstanding basketball coach. He is passionate about the game and he will foster a truly positive environment for his players. He will build genuine relationships within the Cedarville community and his teams will reflect his selfless, dedicated nature. He and Kris will be true ambassadors for the athletic department and the university. Congratulations to the Yellow Jackets on selecting Coach Rob Jones!”

LENNIE ACUFF, Head Coach, Lipscomb University

“Rob Jones is a man of faith and integrity who every parent should want their son to play for. He has a tremendous basketball mind, a tireless work ethic and a true servant’s heart. Rob represents everything that is right about college basketball and he will be an incredible ambassador for Cedarville University.”