Coach Evan Jones enters his fourth season on Dr. Alvin Parker’s Virginia Union University football staff in 2026, serving as Cornerbacks Coach and entering his second season as the Panthers’ Defensive Passing Game Coordinator. Jones has played an important role in the development of one of the CIAA’s top defensive units while helping VUU continue its championship and NCAA postseason success.
During the 2025 season, Jones helped lead a Virginia Union defense that ranked first in the CIAA in total defense, second in defensive passing efficiency, and third in passing defense. Nationally, the Panthers finished 25th in NCAA Division II in total defense and 24th in defensive passing efficiency. The Panthers advanced to the CIAA Championship Game and NCAA Division II Playoffs, continuing the program’s run of postseason success.
The 2024 season was another historic year for Virginia Union as the Panthers captured their second consecutive CIAA Championship and advanced to the third round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs. Jones helped guide a defense that ranked ninth nationally in red-zone defense, 16th in interceptions, and 29th in scoring defense. Within the CIAA, VUU finished third in scoring defense and second in interceptions. Jones also developed an All-CIAA selection at cornerback.
In his first season at Virginia Union in 2023, Jones immediately made an impact on the Panthers’ secondary. VUU captured its first CIAA Championship since 2001 and earned an NCAA Division II Playoff appearance. Under Jones’ direction, the cornerbacks doubled their interception production from the previous season, while the Panthers led the CIAA and ranked eighth nationally in interceptions. The defense also ranked 21st nationally in defensive passing efficiency, and Jones coached an All-CIAA cornerback.
Prior to joining Virginia Union, Jones served as Co-Defensive Coordinator and Defensive Backs Coach at Stevenson University. During his tenure, the defense established a school record by allowing just 15 points per game. Jones coached three All-MAC selections and helped Stevenson finish 8-3 while earning an appearance in the Centennial-MAC Bowl Series.
Before Stevenson, Jones spent four seasons on Reggie Barlow’s staff at Virginia State University, coaching defensive backs, outside linebackers, and inside linebackers. During the 2019 season, the Trojans ranked fifth nationally and first in the CIAA in total defense, fifth nationally in third-down defense, 10th nationally in rushing defense, and 13th nationally in red-zone defense. During his time at VSU, Jones coached five All-CIAA selections, while two of his student-athletes went on to sign NFL undrafted free-agent contracts.
Jones began building his coaching résumé at Benedictine College Preparatory, where he spent six seasons coaching defensive backs and tight ends under Head Coach Greg Lilly. During his tenure, Benedictine reached the playoffs every season, appeared in three state championship games, and captured two state championships. Jones coached 12 All-State selections and helped 11 student-athletes earn opportunities to sign NCAA Division I National Letters of Intent.
A former collegiate defensive back, Jones was a three-year letterman at Chowan University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and later received his Master’s degree in Sports Management from Virginia State University.
Jones is the proud father of two daughters, Aylea and Harlee.
