Argos Add Mike Jones As Receivers Coach
Published on February 2, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release
Orlando, Florida - The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is thrilled to welcome new Receivers Coach Mike Jones to its 2009 coaching staff. Mike Jones' pedigree as an NFL receiver laid the groundwork for him to prosper as a coach. Nine years after his last game as a player he joined the Rhein Fire, NFL Europa, as a receivers coach for his first professional job. From there, he coached in four World Bowl games in six seasons and by year seven, he was named Head Coach of the Frankfurt Galaxy (2004-07). Jones' aptitude for winning didn't waiver in four years as a head coach as his teams appeared in three championship games, winning one in 2006. The same season he was named NFL Europe Coach of the Year. In all, he holds three European championship rings.
Mike Jones commented, "I think it's a privilege to work in the CFL and become a part of things up there. It makes it that much more exciting to coach again with Bart Andrus. I plan to bring a philosophy to the receiving corps that includes responsibility, setting an example, setting the standard, guarding the family, and being a leader. I look forward to coaching there and getting the team to a place that will excite the fans of Toronto."
As a head coach, Jones was practically unbeatable. In his first season, the Galaxy dashed to a 7-3 record and a World Bowl appearance. Two seasons later, Jones' Galaxy returned to the championship and defeated Bart Andrus' Amsterdam Admirals. The Galaxy revisited the big game one season later but lost to the Hamburg Sea Devils in the last-ever World Bowl game. The 2006 Coach of the Year compiled a 24-16 NFLE regular season record as a head coach.
Remarked Argos Head Coach Bart Andrus, "I'm pleased to hire Mike Jones as our receivers coach. We worked together at Rhein Fire under Galen Hall and then as Head Coaches, we had many battles on the field in Europe. I have a great deal of respect for him as a person and he is a very good coach who will have a disciplined position area. You can see from his past successes that he will be a great addition to the Argonauts offensive staff."
Jones also held offensive positions for the Rhein Fire. First, he was named receivers coach (1998-00) and later returned as the club's offensive coordinator (2002-03). He coached in four World Bowl games with Rhein (1998, 2000, 2002-03), winning two in 1998 & 2000. While with the Fire, he not only developed receivers like CFL great Jason Tucker, he also produced two NFLE offensive MVPs in WR Marcus Robinson (1998) and current Argonauts RB Jamal Robertson (2002).
Argos RB Jamal Robertson offered some insight, "Mike's an all around good coach. He doesn't mind pounding the ball on the run, which I like, but he would always balance that by throwing downfield and opening up the defence. He's good spirited by nature, and no matter the game situation he doesn't let it affect him. Coach Jones keeps his head and sticks to his game plan making only small, effective adjustments when things slowdown. He was a good communicator in the locker room and all the guys on offence were able to relate and respond to him."
In 2001, he accepted a position as the receivers coach for the XFL's Orlando Rage. His receivers super-charged the offence and the Rage finished in first place which led to a playoff berth. Jones was also the receivers coach at Liberty University for a brief period in the same year.
Galen Hall, current Offensive Coordinator at Penn State and former Head Coach for the Orlando Rage (XFL) and the Rhein Fire (NFLE), stated, "I feel that Bart Andrus is very fortunate to get a coach of Mike Jones' calibre. Mike will definitely be an asset because of his hardworking attitude. Mike is an intelligent, disciplined football coach. He worked with me in Europe and is the kind of coach who is willing to do anything, is detail-oriented and is great at working with his receivers."
A graduate of Tennessee State University, where he was twice named All-American (1981-82) and still holds all of the school's receiving records, Jones was a sixth-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings in 1983. He played three seasons with Minnesota (1983-85) and was traded to New Orleans where he played from 1986-87 and 1989. In six NFL seasons, Jones caught 165 passes for 2,372 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Canadian Football League Stories from February 2, 2009
- BC's best young football players take part in National Letter of Intent Day - B.C. Lions
- Jeremy O'Day Re-Signs with Riders - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Tiger-Cats Release Six - Hamilton Tiger-Cats
- Winnipeg Football Club Reveals 2009 Blue Bombers Coaching Staff - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Argos Add Mike Jones As Receivers Coach - Toronto Argonauts
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