After 13 years at the helm of the Kosciusko High School baseball program, Jonathan Jones made his resignation public via a social media post on Twitter Monday evening. Jones will return to his Alma Mater to lead the Neshoba Central baseball team next season.
"It is with great sadness that I have decided to leave KO and become the Head Baseball Coach at Neshoba Central," Jones said in the Twitter post. "My family and I have made KO our home and I love all the KO Boys over the years. I hope that I have made a positive impact on their lives and hope to do the same at NC!"
Kosciusko enjoyed 10 consecutive double-digit win seasons under Jones.
Jones guided the Whippets to a share of the Region 4-4A title this year and an appearance in the second round of the MHSAA Class 4A playoffs. Kosciusko ended the year with a 21-8-1 record.
Jones replaces Justin Stovall at Neshoba Central, who resigned a couple weeks ago. Under Stovall, Neshoba Central reached the second round of the MHSAA Class 5A playoffs this year before dropping Game 3 to Saltillo.
Kosciusko athletic director Macy Wilbanks confirmed Jones' departure. She said Jones met with her and Kosciusko athletic officials Monday to inform them of his resignation before speaking with his players. He then made the announcement official on public media.
"I could be wrong by this, but as far as I know, he's been the longest-lasting coach we've had," Wilbanks said. "He's been in the position for as long as most people around here can remember. He's leaving us with an elite program that I think anybody would be lucky to take over. Whoever does is going to have some very big shoes to fill."
Wilbanks said Kosciusko has publicly posted the baseball coaching vacancy.
The move brings Jones back to Neshoba County, as he graduated from Neshoba Central High School in 1994. Neshoba Central athletic director Tommy Holland said the Rocket community is excited to welcome back one of its own.
"I've known Jonathan for a long time," Holland said. "I think he's been at Kosciusko for 13 years, and he's done great things for that program, and when he was at Magee and at Canton Academy. He's always been successful. We just kind of wanted to have somebody with experience and a winning attitude, a great record and a great work ethic. He's an all-around high school baseball coach, and we're expecting great things and hope he can continue our success here."
Jones' older brother Brian was the baseball coach at Neshoba Central from 2000-2012.
Jones could not be reached for comment for this story before the Star-Herald's Tuesday press deadline.
