Elizabeth City State University has officially hired Adrian Jones as its new head football coach. With a wealth of experience in collegiate athletics, Jones is poised to lead the Vikings to new achievements on and off the field.

“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to Elizabeth City State University,” said James M. DuBose Jr., ECSU Athletics Director. “He embodies the values and vision we strive for in our athletics program. We are confident that Coach Jones will elevate our football team to new heights and inspire our student-athletes both on and off the field.”

Jones joins ECSU after a stint as head coach at Shaw University, where he led the team to multiple winning seasons and saw 49 players earn All-CIAA Conference honors. Before that, he made a significant impact at North Carolina Central University, where he coached from 2003 to 2007 and again from 2014 to 2016. While at NCCU, Jones secured three conference championships and won a Black College National Championship in 2006.

“Elizabeth City State University has a proud history and a passionate community. I look forward to partnering with our ECSU family and our student-athletes to build a program that reflects excellence, discipline, and a commitment to success both on the field and in the classroom,” said Coach Jones.

A Durham, North Carolina native, Jones graduated from NCCU with a bachelor’s degree in recreational therapy and a master’s in school administration. He was also an accomplished student-athlete, recognized as an All-Conference Defensive Back and achieving several accolades, including Division II All-American status in 1996.

Jones is married to Dr. Kamala Uzzell-Jones, and they have a daughter, Jayla.