Nathaniel Jones is in his second season as UTSA’s cornerbacks coach.
Jones helped lead the Roadrunners to a 4-6 record during their inaugural campaign in 2011. The defense allowed just 21.4 points and 126.2 yards rushing per game and forced 21 turnovers (11 fumbles, 10 interceptions), which led to 15 scores. Jones’ unit broke up eight passes and Darrien Starling had a pair of lnterceptions.
Jones came to San Antonio after spending two seasons as an assistant coach at Midwestern State in Wichita Falls. He was in charge of the program’s secondary and helped the Mustangs win 17 games and a Lone Star Conference South Division title during his tenure. Four of his defensive backs were honored as all-conference, including second-team All-American and 2009 Lone Star Defensive Back of the Year Micah Hill, in his two years with the program.
In 2010, Midwestern State posted an 8-4 record, including a perfect 5-0 mark at home. Jones helped the Mustangs’ defense record 16 picks, including a team-high three by Neiko Conway.
In his first season with the Mustangs, the defense intercepted 16 passes, including four by Hill, which was tied for third most in the Lone Star Conference. Midwestern State posted a 9-3 record and shared the Lone Star South Division crown with a 4-2 mark. The Mustangs advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they lost to No. 18 Abilene Christian in the first round, 24-21.
Hill, a cornerback, was named second-team Daktronics All-American and Lone Star co-Defensive Back of the Year, and he earned first-team all-conference honors along with safety Danny Jackson. Additionally, cornerback Brandon Williams picked up honorable mention accolades from the league.
Prior to his tenure at Midwestern State, Jones spent one year as a scout and organized camps for NFL Europe.
Jones spent the previous season as an assistant coach at Northwestern State, where he was in charge of the cornerbacks.
He broke into college coaching with St. Francis (Ill.) as an assistant coach in 2005.
A former four-year letterwinner at Louisiana-Monroe from 1996-99, Jones played cornerback, safety and outside linebacker for the Warhawks. The New Orleans, La., native was named team captain as a senior.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in general studies/social science from ULM in 2000 and then entered the coaching field at the prep level in Louisiana.
Jones became the youngest head coach in the state when he was tasked to lead Joseph S. Clark High in New Orleans. He guided the Bulldogs to their first postseason appearance in more than 10 years.
Jones then spent two seasons as an assistant coach in charge of linebackers at Reagan High in Houston before moving into the college ranks.
Jones is married to the former Jaclyn Bernard and the couple has a daughter, Alonah.
The Nathaniel Jones File
Coaching Career
· 2011-present: UTSA, assistant coach
· 2009-10: Midwestern State, assistant coach
· 2006: Northwestern State, assistant coach
· 2005: St. Francis (Ill.), assistant coach
· 2003-04: Reagan (Houston, Texas) High School, assistant coach
· 2001-02: Clark (New Orleans, La.) High School, head coach
Playing Experience
· 1996-99: Louisiana-Monroe, linebacker/defensive back
Education
· Bachelor’s degree in general studies/social science, Louisiana-Monroe 2000
Personal
· Wife: Jaclyn
· Daughter: Alonah