Cardale Jones, who rose to prominence as the quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has taken on a new role as the quarterbacks coach for Staples High School in Connecticut. This transition marks a significant shift for Jones, who is still adjusting to his coaching title after officially joining the staff led by head coach Matty Jacowleff this summer.
Jones is best known for leading Ohio State to a national championship victory in 2014, a feat that continues to resonate with the players he now coaches. The excitement among the Staples football team is palpable, with players frequently approaching Jones to discuss his illustrious college career. "Every day, it's another kid coming up to me and saying, 'Coach Jones, in my free period today, I looked you up on YouTube. I watched you play with this guy and that guy. Man, you were good,'" Jones shared, highlighting the enthusiasm and admiration the students have for his past achievements.
His addition to the coaching staff was officially announced on Tuesday, and it has been a dream come true for Jacowleff, who initially thought he was dreaming when he received a text from Jones expressing interest in connecting. The former NFL quarterback, who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers and Seattle Seahawks, in addition to stints in the XFL and CFL.
Jones has established homes in both Columbus, Ohio, and Stamford, Connecticut, and he currently works as an analyst for CBS Sports in New York City. His involvement with the Staples football program began while he was collaborating with Brandon Gutman, a player vying for the starting quarterback position alongside junior Grant Bozeman. Jones has made it a priority to attend practices, estimating he has been present for about 70% of them, and he plans to be at eight of the ten regular-season games.
This offseason has been particularly challenging for the Staples football program, as they support their quarterbacks coach, Nick Chacho, who is battling stage 3 colon cancer. Jacowleff emphasized the importance of community and support within the team, stating, "You talk about high school sports and high school football, and every team breaks it down to family, and we’ve got to be there for someone in our family when they need our help." Fundraisers have been organized to rally support for Chacho during this difficult time.
In preparation for his coaching role, Jones sought to align with the Staples program's philosophy. He expressed a desire to understand their playbook and coaching techniques to ensure he could effectively contribute to the team's development. Jacowleff noted that Jones's willingness to offer feedback and collaborate has been invaluable, especially as he enters his second year as head coach.
As Jones continues to adapt to his new position, he has expressed his enjoyment in coaching. He remarked, "I’ve been liking every minute of it. Matty has done a great job at developing an unbelievable staff, and I can’t say enough great things about the kids. I never viewed myself as a coach. It’s still funny getting used to them calling me coach. The kids are great, they’re eager to learn, and they’re respectful. I think that’s what’s making this process so enjoyable." With his unique background and experience, Jones is poised to make a significant impact on the Staples football program.
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