Nathaniel Jones brings experience, work ethic to St. Augustine head coaching job

Keeping up with the Joneses is the story today at St. Augustine.

One Jones replaces another as the head coach of the storied football program as Nathaniel Jones takes the reins of the Purple Knights.

Jones succeeds Al Jones, who retired from coaching after three years. Jones stepped in and did a solid job at his alma mater when called upon to do so.

“The promotion comes from God,” Jones said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity. I know it comes with a great platform. I want to represent God, myself and the St. Augustine family in a first-class manner. I just want to do a great job for the alums. I know they want a winner. The goal here is to win a state championship. I believe we have the ability to do that. We just have to put in the work.”

Jones served as the head coach at his alma mater, Edna Karr, from 2013-14.

“I think the experience at Karr was helpful,” Jones said. “Experience is the best teacher. Different places, different circumstances, different challenges. You take the experiences and allow them to help guide you while understanding that situations are a little different.”

Nathaniel Jones played on the Karr state championship football team in 1993 and played through 1995 as a defensive back and kick return specialist under Don Wattigny. He earned a scholarship to Northeast Louisiana.

“Nathaniel is a quality person,” Wattigny said. “He was an excellent player who was always a hard worker and was respectful. He is first class in every way.

“He is a straight-ahead guy who will do things right. That’s what we tried to teach the young men, to do things the right way. He will discipline when necessary. He understands what needs to be done. With a good coaching staff, he will be successful. He is a quality person and coach.”

The school won football state championships in 1975, 1978 and 1979 under Otis Washington in the LHSAA after dominating in LIALO for many years.

St. Augustine reached the Division I quarterfinals, losing to eventual state champion Catholic High of Baton Rouge 7-3 this past season. The Purple Knights also reached the quarterfinals in 2016. St. Aug was 16-18 in three years under Al Jones.

Nathaniel Jones becomes the sixth head coach at St. Augustine in 13 years. Wayne Cordova was the head coach from 2006-08. David Johnson served as head coach from 2009-11. Cyril Crutchfield was the head coach from 2012-14.

Stability has been an issue since the turn of the century in the program.

Tony Biagas was the head coach from 1986-2000, doing an outstanding job in 15 seasons. Jay Cunningham was there from 1980-82 while Ross served from 1983-85. Tyrone Payne got the job in 2001 and worked through 2005.

Nick Connor coached football and basketball when the school opened before Eddie Flint and Washington. Flint won three state titles in LIALO.

“I believe St. Augustine is a rare institution where the national brand has unlimited potential academically, in the arts and in athletics,” Jones said. “I’m excited about the opportunity. We hope to reach our full potential. I plan on being here for the long haul and hope to provide stability to the program and help the St. Augustine family recognize the reward of success. That is the goal. It is a blessing to be here. The hard work starts today. We’re getting to work now.”