DANBURY, Conn. - Western Connecticut State University Athletic Director Lori Mazza has named Kevin Jones as interim head football coach.  Jones had been an assistant coach for the Wolves since 2016 and has been the program's defensive coordinator since 1018. He replaces Joe Loth who was named head coach at Southern Connecticut State University.  WestConn football finished 9-2 and second in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC) in 2024.  The Wolves won the ECAC's Asa S. Bushnell Bowl, 45-14, over Alfred University to close the year, and will embark on a new challenge when they play their first season in the Landmark Conference as an affiliate member in football in 2025.

"We are very fortunate to have Kevin who is not only willing but eager to step into this role, said Mazza.  "He has established himself as a coach who prepares himself, coaches and players around him which shows on the field and in the classroom.  I am glad Kevin has accepted this new role which maintains the culture we have built over the years."

Jones' defenses have been ranked among the best in New England and the nation throughout his tenure.  In 2024, WestConn held conference opponents to 2.6 yards per rush and finished ranked in the top 20 nationally in pass efficiency defense, passing yards Allowed, turnover margin and red zone defense. In his 30-plus years in football, Coach Jones has worked at every level from high school to the NFL, and has been involved in all facets of the game. His previous college stops include the University of Minnesota and Boston College. He began coaching in 1992 at William Hall HS in West Hartford and has spent time with several other Connecticut high schools.  He also spent six years on the Governor's Cup All-Star staff, serving as the head coach in 2006.

In his eight years as the head football coach of Stamford High School, Jones saw nine of his players earn CIAC All-State First Team recognition and 45 go on to play at the college level while earning more than $2 million in scholarships. Three of those players made it to the NFL, most notable among them is Vladimir Ducasse, a 2010 Second Round selection at offensive tackle.  Jones, a Ridgefield High School graduate, earned his bachelor's degree from Central Connecticut State University, his master's degree from the University of Minnesota, and his Teaching Licensure from Southern Connecticut State University.

"My wife and I grew up in Ridgefield, my kids grew up here, my mother has a degree from WestConn, and my father and I used to come to WestConn games when I was a kid. I've helped build the culture over the last nine years, and that culture has allowed me to truly enjoy coming to work every day. I love the guys on this team. There was no hesitation when I was asked to take the job. I'm home," said Jones.  "Our mission is simple: refine the cultural DNA we have developed, which is mentoring young people academically, socially and emotionally."