CMU Extends Jones' Contract Through 2013

MOUNT PLEASANT - Central Michigan University Director of Athletics Dave Heeke has announced an agreement in principle on a one-year extension to the contract of head football coach Butch Jones.

Butch Jones’ contract will now last through the 2013 season. He signed a five-year deal following the 2007 season.

Financial details of the one-year extension are being finalized.

“Butch Jones continues to provide strong leadership for our football program, and he has built a solid foundation for continued success and excellence,” Heeke said. “This agreement helps ensure stability within the football program and further illustrates a commitment to both CMU football and Butch Jones.”

Jones is the first coach in school history to lead the Chippewas to back-to-back bowl games, and he is just the fifth coach in Mid-American Conference history to guide a team to a bowl game in both of his first two seasons. In 2007, he became the ninth coach in MAC history to win a conference championship in his first season.

“I’m very proud of everything that we have been able to accomplish in a short period of time here at Central Michigan University and look forward to future success both on the field and off the field,” Jones said. “The commitment that Dave Heeke and the entire CMU administration has shown not only to myself but to the rest of our coaching staff, players, recruits and entire football family is very exciting and much appreciated. That commitment not only illustrates the championship culture that surrounds this great university, but also provides the stability that is critical to the success of a football program.”

Central Michigan has won 16 games during Jones’ tenure, including 13 against MAC opponents. Both totals are the second-most of any coach in school history during his first two seasons. Of the 13 current MAC head coaches, Jones is one of just three to win a MAC title during his career.

Jones is just the second coach in school history to defeat rival Western Michigan in both of his first two seasons. CMU’s 37-34 win at Indiana in 2008 was the program’s first win over a Big Ten opponent since 1992.

CMU also has excelled in the classroom, leading the MAC in both Academic All-MAC and CoSIDA Academic All-District IV selections in 2007 and 2008.

The Chippewas finished 8-5 overall in 2008 and became just the fourth team in conference history to compete in three consecutive bowl games. CMU opens the 2009 season at Arizona on Sept. 5.