2024 Interview with Mingo Central High School (WV.) Head Coach David Jones


 

David Jones

Mingo Central High School

Head Football Coach 

University of Kentucky 

Would you share with everyone your coaching career, from your first job up to your current position?

2011-2012 University of Pikeville Head Defensive Back Coach 

2012-2015 Belfry High School: Assistant Defensive Coach

2016-2018 Phelps High School Head Football Coach 

2019-2022 Bourbon County High School, Head Football Coach 

2023: Current Mingo Central High School Head Football Coach 

I am going to go back to your high school days for this question. What was it like to play for a living legend like Coach Philip Haywood?

Life-changing experience, and I’m blessed that I was able to be in that situation.

For a coach, how difficult is it to leave one job to take another?

It is very difficult. Everything has to line up, but it’s the relationships you’ve made with the players that are the hardest. But in the end, you always have to do what is best for you and your career. 

What has been your biggest moment as a high school head coach?

Winning the first ever Pike County Bowl in school history at Phelps High School. 

What are your thoughts on playing out-of-state teams?

In our case, it doesn’t help us because of our point system in WV. So we normally don’t play out of state teams, although I would like to. 

How important is it to you that all of the lower levels throughout the program play a full schedule?

It is very important to develop your team as a whole. And a reliable backup 

Should all teams in the program run the same base offense and defense? Explain:

Yes, or a form of it, so that when they get to high school, there is less teaching. 

As the head coach, what do you do to aid your players in getting recruited?

Make sure we set up visits, making highlights, and being honest about their abilities and fits.

What is the best part of being the head coach at Mingo Central High School?

I grew up in Mingo County, so coaching “at home” allowed me to share 7 months with my grandma in her last days. 

What is the toughest part of being a high school football head coach?

You can’t save them all! 

I have taken part in the West Virginia North vs. South game a few times and plan on doing so again this year. Do you think the game should have one permanent home or rotate locations all around the state?

I like it in Charleston. This year will be the first time I’ve ever been to it. There is still a lot I don’t know about it, though. 

What will you miss the most from the 2024 class?

The seniors that set the foundation of the program and the relationship I had with them.

Could you list the players from the 2024 class that will be moving on to play college ball, along with the college they will attend?

Chris Ross, West Virginia State
Chaz Waine, Tusculum University 

Do you stay in touch with any of your teammates from Belfry?

Yes

What is your go-to snack?

Zebra Cakes

What was the last book you read, along with the author?

Tony Evans Kingdom Man

 


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