Mark Jones, a former wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is Carrollwood Day School’s new varsity head football coach, according to a school announcement.
Jones served as the team’s interim head coach during the 2016 season after the previous coach, Lane McLaughlin, was ousted before the season last August.
Under Jones’ interim title, the Patriots finished 2-6.
(Courtesy of Carrollwood Day School)
Jones has been with Carrollwood Day’s football program since 2014, when he became head coach of the middle school football team. In 2015, he led the team to its first undefeated season in team history.
“I am extremely excited to have Mark Jones take over the CDS football program,” CDS athletic director Baker Mabry said, in a statement. “Coach Jones brings a lot of energy and passion to the position. He also understands and supports our mission of developing student athletes not only on the field, but in the classroom and in their personal lives,” Mabry added.
In a statement, Jones said he is “honored and humbled” to be named the Patriots’ varsity coach.
“I will lead by example, and I will stand firm in my core values and beliefs that are centered around faith, family and relationships,” Jones said. “Our program will be built on the foundation of doing what is right to the best of one’s ability.”
Jones was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He went on to play six seasons in the league, including stints with the Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, San Diego Chargers and Tennessee Titans.
A Pennsylvania native, Jones played college football at University of Tennessee, starring as a wide receiver, defensive back, and returner.
Spring football practices for high schools statewide begins April 24.
