Cardale Jones is back on a football sideline.
The former Ohio State quarterback is taking on a new role this fall at Staples High School in Westport, Connecticut, where he is serving as the program’s quarterbacks coach.
"I've been liking every minute of it," Jones told CT Insider. "Matty (Jacowleff) has done a great job at developing an unbelievable staff and I can't say enough great things about the kids. I never viewed myself as a coach. It's still funny getting used to them calling me coach. The kids are great, they're eager to learn, and they're respectful. I think that's what's making this process so enjoyable."
Staples Football would like to welcome Coach Cardale Jones to the Coaching Staff as the QB Coach. Coach Jones led Ohio State to a National
Championship as starting QB, before playing four seasons in the NFL. Coach Jones currently works for CBS Sports. GO WRECKERS!! #cthsfb pic.twitter.com/pf08Awjwx8
— Staples Football (@StaplesFootbal1) September 1, 2026
Jones became a household name during Ohio State’s run to the 2014 national championship, taking over as the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback heading into the Big Ten title game against Wisconsin and guiding them through the inaugural College Football Playoff. Jones threw for 746 yards and 5 touchdowns during the championship season, including a passing and rushing score in Ohio State’s 42-20 victory over Oregon in the national championship game.
He later became a fourth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in the 2016 NFL Draft and spent parts of several seasons in the NFL. Jones also continued his playing career in multiple professional leagues before moving into media, including work as a college football analyst for CBS Sports in New York City.
Now, his attention is turning toward developing the next generation of quarterbacks.
Jones joins a Staples program that has established itself as one of Connecticut’s prominent high school football programs. Since 2020, the Wreckers have gone 45-15.
Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow USA TODAY High School Sports on Instagram and X.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Former Ohio State championship-winning QB joins high school coaching staff
