Central College Athletics

Eric Jones rejoined the Central football staff in 2006 after having previously been an assistant coach from 1995-2002.

Jones has coached the offensive line since 2011 and worked with the tight ends in 2009 and 2010. He also spent a season as the team's offensive coordinator during his first stint.

A 1987 Central graduate, Jones was an offensive guard for the Dutch. He received a master’s degree in counseling education from Iowa State University.

Jones taught and coached in Shelbina, Mo. and was an at-risk coordinator and assistant coach at Pella High School. He previously served as assistant director of admission at Central while also working with the college’s retention program and in several capacities in the student life office.

In 2002, Jones received a Central Presidential Service Standards Award for his work at the college.

From 2003-06 Jones was dean of students at Waukee High School before returning to Central as a counselor in the student life office. He headed the college's retention program in the academic affairs office before serving as interim dean of student life in 2011-12. He also spent time as major gifts officer in the advancement office. He currently is the school's athletic recruiting coordinator.

Jones' wife, Brenda, has three sons.

Achievements

Central College

• Team has 222-58 (.793) record, 177-37 (.827) mark in conference games in his 27 seasons
• (10) NCAA Division III playoff appearances – 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001,  2006, 2007, 2009, 2019, 2021
• (10) American Rivers Conference championships –  1995, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2019, 2021
• (2) Conference coaching staff of the year – 2021
• (34) All-conference performers in his position group

Athletics career

Central College

• Team had 40-5 (.889) record, 28-1 (.966) mark in conference games in his four seasons
• Offensive guard
• (3) varsity letters earned
• (2) Stagg Bowl appearances – 1984, 1985
• (3) NCAA Division III playoff appearances – 1984, 1985, 1986
• (4) Iowa Conference championships – 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986