Apr 7, 2007, 14:55 GMT
Huntington, WV - Donnie Jones was named the new men's basketball coach at Marshall on Saturday.
The 40-year-old Jones was part of back-to-back national championships at Florida the last two seasons, He was an assistant coach with the Gators from 1996-2006 and then was promoted to associate head coach under Billy Donovan last season.
Jones was a graduate assistant coach at Marshall from 1990-92 and was then elevated to assistant coach from '92-96. He earned his Master's degree in sports management in 1992 at the school.
'Obviously it's great to be back,' Jones said. 'This has been a dream of mine. Ever since a little kid, in my mind, I visualized myself being here today.'
Jones replaces Ron Jirsa, who was not retained following a 13-19 overall record last season.
'We know the community is starving for success,' Jones said. 'We know it's a basketball community as well as a sports community and I know we can do great things here.'
© 2007 The Sports Network
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