Rutgers University Athletics

Jeff Jones, who returned in 2022, is in his second stint with Rutgers football and serves as director of player development. Jones previously worked at his alma mater, Southern Illinois, as the Associate Athletics Director for Internal Operations under Director of Athletics and former Scarlet Knights’ offensive coordinator Jerry Kill. Jones also worked “On the Banks” in 2017 in the player development office.

Previously, Jones spent five seasons on staff at Minnesota from 2012-16 – which included three as the Gophers’ Director of Player Personnel. There, Jones oversaw the day-to-day operations for the football student-athletes and worked closely with the coaching, recruiting, academic and communication staffs. 

Prior to his arrival in Minneapolis, Jones was the coordinator of academic support at Southern Illinois from 2009-12. Jones managed all academic support for the athletic department and hosted recruits during official visits for football, women’s basketball, softball and track and field. Jones began working in academics with football at Southern Illinois as a graduate assistant in 2007. 

Jones played football at Southern Illinois from 2002-05 and worked in athletics at SIU from 2005-11. The Detroit native played defensive line for the Salukis and helped Southern Illinois to three consecutive conference titles from 2003-05. 

Jones received his bachelor’s degree (2006) and master’s degree (2008) from Southern Illinois.