Chris Jones, was born and raised in Brownwood, Tx. He is a Brownwood High School graduate and a former standout defensive lineman for the Brownwood Lions. Currently, he is the defensive line coach for UTEP Football.
The youngest son of Rodrick Sr. and Donna Jones. Chris has two older siblings: Rodrick Jr. and Rashya Jones- McGowen. Jones was a 2-year starter for Steve Freeman in Brownwood. A 2 time All District and 1-time All-state player for the Lions, Jones also lettered in Basketball and Powerlifting. In 2018 Jones was inducted into the Gordon Wood Hall of Champion.
After graduating from Brownwood High School Jones took his talents to Hardin-Simmons University, where he was a defensive lineman, not missing a game, he playing in 41 consecutive contests and started 22 straight. He helped the Cowboys win American Southwest Conference titles (2003 and 2004) and make NCAA Division III tournament appearances twice (2004 and 2006). Jones finished his career with 126 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks from his defensive tackle position. He earned Second Team All-America, First Team All-Region recognition as a senior and was a two-time All-Conference selection.
Jones holds a Bachelor in Fitness, Recreation and Sports Management and a Master of Science in Kinesiology from HSU. Jones would meet the love of his life wife, Kenneishia and the two have four children Cortland 11, Kennsington 7, Karrington 5, and Kaisley.
Having loved the game, he played for so long, Chris made the decision to stay on the gridiron, this time as a coach.
Jones spent two years at Hardin-Simmons from 2006 through 2007 as a graduate assistant coach and in 2008 and 2009 spent time at Sam Houston in the same capacity. In 2010 Jones would return to his alma mater, this time spending 10 seasons (2010-20). During his time on the sideline, the Cowboys saw 16 All-ASC honorees from the defensive line under Jones, including the 2010 ASC Defensive Player of the Year in Hank Hornsby and a 2012 Second Team D3Football.com All-American in Undra Hendrix. Hendrix also set a program record with 11.0 sacks and was named ASC Defensive Lineman of the Year for his efforts.
In 2021 Jones got the opportunity to coach at the next level, Division II, in the most competitive conference, the Lone Star Conference. He was hired as co-defensive coordinator/defensive line coach for Texas A&M-Kingsville. During the spring 2021 season the Javelinas played just two games and averaged 7.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks per contest. In the Fall of 2021 Jones, once again made the jump, this time to Division I FCS, he took his coaching talents to Austin Peay, in Clarksville Tn, along with fellow Hardin Simmon Alum and now head coach Scotty Walden.
In 2023, Austin Peay went 9-3 overall, while the Governors finished 6-0 in United Athletic Conference action and claimed a UAC Championship. Austin Peay’s total defense ranked third in the UAC (396.0 yards allowed per game). APU rated third in the UAC The Governors were first in the UAC and 12th in FCS with a trio of defensive touchdowns. APU’s defense forced 16 turnovers, while it ranked third in UAC and 29th in FCS with 11 interceptions
With his ability to recruit and coach stellar defensive lineman. Coach Chris Jones was asked to join Head Coach Scotty Walden in the Sun City after serving as Austin Peay’s co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach the previous three seasons (2021-23). Here’s what Coach Walden had to say about Chris Jones,
“Chris Jones is a flat-out winner. He was inducted into the hall of fame at his alma mater Brownwood HS and Hardin Simmons University,” Walden said. “He has been associated with stout defenses his entire career. He guided our defense at Austin Peay to be one of the toughest in the country to run the ball against. I am excited to have Chris and his beautiful family here in El Paso!”
From Brownwood, to Abilene, to Huntsville, to Clarksville, TN and now El Paso, TX, Chris continues to make his mark on college athletes and college football. A true Lion at heart, Coach Chris Jones is a player’s coach and a coaches coach. On behalf of the ROC board, it is an honor to include Chris Jones as one of our 2025 Black History Month Community Spotlights.