St. Augustine names Nathaniel Jones as new football coach

Nathaniel Jones has been named new head football coach at St. Augustine, the school announced Thursday.

Jones, a former head coach at Edna Karr, spent the past two season as the Purple Knights’ defensive coordinator.

St. Aug is replacing Al Jones, who retired in December after three seasons as head coach.

ST. AUGUSTINE RELEASE:

St. Augustine High School names Nathaniel Jones Head Football Coach

NEW ORLEANS, LA. Thursday, February 8, 2018– Continuing a tradition of athletic excellence, St. Augustine High School has named Nathaniel Jones as its new head football coach. Jones served as a defensive coach for the Purple Knight football program and teacher for the past two years. He replaces Al Jones who retired in December after three years as head coach.

Coach Nathaniel Jones will be introduced publicly at a reception at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018, in the St. Augustine High School dining hall. Members of the media are invited to attend.

“St. Augustine High School is excited about Coach Nathaniel Jones’ new role and salute his contributions to our student-athletes and athletics program,” said Sean J. Goodwin, Principal of St. Augustine High School. “His holistic approach to leadership both in the classroom and on the football field, for the past two years, as well as his coaching experiences have prepared him for this moment.”

During Jones’ two years at St. Augustine, the defensive unit has improved each year. In 2017 Jones coached the Catholic League defensive MVP, Dante’ Carter.

“Coach Jones has a proven track record of building teams focused on success on and off the field,” said Kenneth St. Charles, Ph.D., President and CEO of St. Augustine High School. “We look forward to working with him to build student-athletes with the highest character, emphasizing academics, service, and faith.”

A native of New Orleans, Jones spent two years as an assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois, prior to joining St. Augustine. He served as head coach at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans from 2013-2015 leading the program to a 4A state championship runner-up position. In 2013 he was named District 9-4A Coach of the Year. His coaching resume also includes three years as assistant cornerbacks coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio (2011-2013); assistant defensive backs coach at Midwestern State University (2008-2011); one year as assistant cornerbacks coach at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, LA, Joseph S. Clark High School, and several assistant coaching positions at a variety of high schools.

“Coach Jones emerged as an ideal selection after an exhaustive search which included many excellent applicants. He brings a wealth of coaching and program-building experience and success,” said Barret Rey, St. Augustine Athletic Director.

Coach Nathaniel Jones begins his new role immediately.

“I’m grateful to everyone at St. Augustine for this opportunity.  I look forward to building new relationships with alumni, donors, community members and friends of the athletic department that will help strengthen and continue to move the football program to the next level” Jones said. “I am excited and will work diligently to bring the same pride and excellence to Purple Knight football that we know and expect from all aspects of St. Augustine High School.”

Jones graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies. Jones is married to Jaclyn Jones and they are the proud parents of three daughters Alonah, Faith, and Christian.