Elizabeth City State University officially welcomed Adrian Jones as its new head football coach during a press conference on Friday in the Marion D. Thorpe Administration Building. 

Interim Chancellor Catherine Edmonds expressed her enthusiasm for the appointment, highlighting Jones’s reputation as an effective mentor and leader. “Coach Jones brings a wealth of experience, a strong commitment that aligns perfectly with the values and visions here at ECSU,” Edmonds said. “We look forward to his leadership to inspire our student-athletes, elevate our program and bring a renewed sense of pride and purpose to our university community.”

Speaking to an audience composed of ECSU board members, administrators, faculty, students, and community supporters, Jones outlined his vision for the football program. His focus centers on academic excellence, competitive performance, and strong community engagement.

“We want to cultivate a championship mindset. Our program will be consistent and the championship will come. We are going to be student-athletes first and foremost and we are going to represent this university with pride. Offense, we are going to be efficient, exciting, and explosive. Defense, we are going to be relentless,” Jones declared.

A North Carolina native, Jones has a rich coaching background, including several championship victories. During the press conference, Jones acknowledged the contributions of former ECSU athletic director Claude Mackey, PhD, and hall-of-fame quarterback Councilman Johnnie Walton, who were present in the audience. 

The event concluded with a Q&A session, during which Jones discussed his recruitment strategies and overarching coaching philosophy. He laid out plans to attract talent from North Carolina and Virginia.

“Elizabeth City is a goldmine, and I know we can flourish here. You have my word,” Jones reaffirmed as he prepared to embark on his new journey.

The excitement surrounding the program’s future was palpable. James M. Dubose, Jr., director of athletics, said, “You’ve heard it here first. We have not won a CIAA football championship since 1971, but it’s our time now. Coach Jones is going to take us back to that level.”