Norfolk State University is preparing for a postseason game but head coach Robert Jones has his name in the news for other reasons.
The long-time NSU head coach is reportedly a candidate for the University of Illinois-Chicago job.
Jeff Goodman reports UIC is in negotiations with Robert Jones to replace Luke Yaklich as its head coach. However, Kyle T. Mosley of HBCU Legends reports that UIC officials are denying that Jones, or any other candidate has been offered the job.
“The job has not been offered, and to say that we are in negotiations with someone at this point would not be accurate,” Cuervo said. “We’ve met with candidates, and up to and including today, we’ll continue to meet with candidates.”
A source tells HBCU Gameday Jones has interviewed for the job and was sent a term sheet and that Jones responded to the term sheet, but that’s as far as things have gone.
HBCU Gameday has learned Jones’ currently salary is $446k, including guarantees, and that UIC’s proposed terms would be in the $525k range.
Robert Jones has been at Norfolk State for the better part of two decades – first as an assistant to Anthony Evans and the past 11 seasons as head coach of the program. He’s currently 210-148 overall, with a record of 124-42 in MEAC play. His team has won the regular season title four times, he’s made two trips to the NCAA Tournament and has two victories in NCAA Tournament via the First Four.
This season Norfolk State University won the MEAC regular season title despite losing its top two players from the previous season before falling to Howard in the MEAC semifinals.