Jones withdraws name from Boston U. search

Tennessee men's basketball associate head coach Tony Jones said Friday he has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Boston University head coaching vacancy.

“With the commitment the University of Tennessee has shown to the men's program, I feel it's in my best interests to remain a part of Bruce Pearl's staff,'' Jones said. “After long and thoughtful consideration, I've decided Boston wasn't the right fit for me at this point in my career.''

Pearl said he's glad to have Jones returning to the staff.

"Tony is without question ready to be a head coach, and when that day comes we at Tennessee will thank him for all he has done to help us establish a competitive program,'' Pearl said. "The bar continues to rise with all the new coaches coming into the league and our recruiting will need to respond. Tony is excited about meeting that challenge.''

The Boston Globe reported in Wednesday and Thursday editions that the 48-year-old Jones was the frontrunner for the Terriers' vacancy after his March 26 interview in Boston and could be hired as early as this weekend.

Jones said he withdrew his name from consideration for the Tennessee State head coaching position last month after an initial interview. He was a finalist for the Marshall head coaching position two years ago.

Jones has served as Pearl's top assistant the past eight seasons and is the Vols' top paid basketball assistant coach with a salary of $182,434.

Part of Pearl's renegotiations on his six-year contract with UT involve increased pay for his assistants as well Pearl receiving a higher annual salary in the $2 million range and a larger buyout clause.

Prior to coaching with Pearl at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Jones spent five seasons at Toledo and three at Buffalo as an assistant coach.

Jones spearheads the Vols' scheduling, handles substitutions during the games and shares in the recruiting duties. Jones was largely responsible for UT having the RPI's No. 1-rated non-conference schedule this season.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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