Nick Jones is in his sixth year at Coastal Carolina and serves as the tight ends and tackles coach. In his first two seasons, Jones coached the CCU PAT/FG units -- which was successful on 12 two-point conversions -- and has overseen the punt coverage unit since 2013.
In 2012, he helped left tackle Chad Hamilton earn second-team all-conference honors while bookend Drew Herring had a breakout season holding down the right tackle spot. In addition, despite limited playing time due to multiple injuries, tight end David Duran was tabbed second-team all-Big South.
In 2013, Hamilton and Herring were both named first-team all-Big South while tight end Thomas Pauciello hauled in three touchdown receptions.
Hamilton capped his career at Coastal in 2014 by earning first-team all-American honors and signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears. Coastal tight ends Pauciello and Craig Weick each spent extended time on the injured list, but combined to haul in 22 passes for 288 yards and three scores. Also, senior Cody Craig was voted academic all-Big South.
In 2015, Jones oversaw the most successful special teams unit in the nation. The punt coverage unit ranked first in the NCAA FCS as opponents only attempted to return one punt - for zero yards.
Jones helped Coastal have one of its best seasons rushing the ball in school history during the 2016 campaign as the Chants topped 200 yards in 11 of their 12 games, including three games with at least 300 yards on the ground. In turn, Voghens Larrieux was named all-America, playing both left and right tackle, while running back De'Angelo Henderson earned his second all-America honor, was a national offensive Player of the Year finalist for a second time and was drafted by the Denver Broncos.
A four-year letterman for at the University of Georgia (2003-06), Jones was an offensive graduate assistant on the Bulldogs' staff for the 2010 and 2011 seasons. In 2013, Jones was with the UGA coaches in the press box on gamedays, but was moved to the sidelines in 2011 to better utilize his coaching and motivating skills. During the 2011 season, Jones was additionally responsible for preparing the defensive scout team, simulating the upcoming opponent's defense and helping Georgia win the Southeastern Conference East Division.
Jones was a second-team all-SEC selection at center as a senior and was elected as the permanent co-captain of the 2006 squad. Following his senior season, he was selected to play in the prestigious Hula Bowl All-Star Game.
A native of Bowdon, Ga., Jones started 32-consecutive games for the Bulldogs and was part of a senior class that compiled a 40-12 four-year record, 3-1 bowl record, played in two SEC championship games and won the 2005 SEC title.
Jones signed a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks in 2007 and spent parts of two seasons with the Seahawks, New York Giants and Detroit Lions organizations.
A 2006 graduate in risk management and insurance, Jones was named the team's Most Valuable Offensive Player as a senior and was a recipient of the Leon Farmer Strength and Conditioning Award.
Jones is married to the former Katie Hammonds. The couple have a son, Deuce.
