The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff announced Tuesday it has hired Nathan Jones as its new linebackers coach.
Jones mostly coached linebackers at Lincoln University (Pa.) last season while also serving as special teams coordinator and recruiting coordinator. He spent the 2023 season as a graduate assistant at the University at Buffalo focused on defensive backs after coaching Lincoln’s safeties in 2022.
He began his career at Delaware, his alma mater, in 2020. The Blue Hens won the Spring 2021 Colonial Athletic Association championship and reached the FCS semifinals.
During his season at Buffalo, the Bulls’ defense ranked 18th nationally in passing defense, 23rd in third down defense and 25th in defensive touchdowns. They were in the top 10 nationally in total defense.
At Lincoln, Jones coached safety Kai Gray in 2022. Gray, after leading the CIAA in tackles per game and led Division II in forced fumbles, went on to play for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League and was the CFL West Division’s nominee for Most Outstanding Rookie.