The Quincy University sprint football team got a boost of energy and confidence with the re-hire of defensive coordinator Christopher Jones. QU announced via social media on March 19, 2025, that Jones would be returning to fulfill his duties as the defensive play-caller for the Hawks. 

Jones got his coaching start at Helias Catholic High School in Missouri. He coached for the Hawks in their inaugural season in 2022. Then he continued through their sophomore season before departing in year three for Mercyhurst University. The players were thrilled with Jones’s return. They applauded as he walked through the weight room for the first time. 

Austin Moore was a captain for the sprint team in 2024. He also played for Jones in his freshman year and shared his thoughts on the return. 

“Coach Jones is great not only as a football mind but as someone who you want to have around. Him coming back was a no-brainer,” Moore said. 

Kaden Bucholz, a sophomore at QU, plays for the sprint team and played for Jones in his freshman year as well. 

“We’re excited for him to be back. He brings an energy and vibes that we needed back as a program to succeed,” Bucholz said. 

Kyron Dunae sat down with coach Christopher Jones to talk more about his return, his upbringing, and the reason why he is a coach. 

Interview with coach Christopher Jones

Q: Where are you from and how was it growing up?

A: I’m originally from St. Louis, Missouri. Grew up in a 3 level townhouse basically with both grandparents, mom, sister, aunt, and her two children. The “projects” is what my grandma always calls it. 

Q: What was your education like? 

A: I attended McCluer North High School for all four years. There, I played football and ran track. I also played a little baseball. I graduated and then went to Lincoln University in Missouri where I got my degree in business. 

Q: You talked about football. What is it about football that kept you connected to the sport throughout your life?

A: I think the amount of lessons that you learn from football. To this day, the stuff I have learned from football I still use in my day-to-day life. The discipline and accountability and the other life lessons I have learned from it are what kept me connected. 

Q: What was your favorite moment as a player?

A: I would say the relationships that you build. The bus rides, the tough battles you go through with the guys, all of it. The journey you go through with those people who you were around all the time was my favorite memory because those types of things last forever. 

Q: How did you get into coaching? 

A: Coaching is my ministry. I had all of these different jobs. Whether it was fast food, retail, or warehouse work, nothing made me passionate about these jobs. I knew I had to get back to football in some way. So, I sent a plethora of emails to coaches and got a response from Helias Catholic High School.

Q: How did you end up at QU coaching sprint football?

A: After Helias, I looked to move to the college level. I was hired here as a linebackers coach. Things happened over the summer and I was thrown into the position of defensive coordinator. I didn’t think I was ready to be a DC but God had other plans. 

Q: Sprint football was and still is in its early years. You were here during its inaugural season. What was your mindset towards that? How did you want to approach a first-year program?

A: I thought it was a great opportunity for me and my career. Not too many people can say they helped start a program from ground zero, so I get to go from zero to 100 with these guys. Also, I enjoyed the challenge of finding those guys like me who were passed up due to their size or didn’t get opportunities for whatever reason. 

Q: What would you say to people that question sprint football? 

A: I see people say “Is that actually football?” or “Is it eight on eight?” I always tell them that it is 11 on 11. It’s physical football. The only difference is the weight limit. We are still coming to play and we take every challenge head-on. 

Q: What made you return to QU and coach for the Hawks again? 

A: Some unfinished business man. I think this team had a lot of talent when I left and I believe there is still a lot of talent that we can build on. We have a great nucleus and our goal is to win a championship. I also see it as an opportunity to bring guys in from backgrounds I can relate to. To have an opportunity to play at the college level and get a degree is always my number one goal for the guys I coach.

Q: What is it about QU that is so appealing to you?

A: The opportunities. QU gave me my first shot at the college level so this place holds a special place in my heart. Also, it’s a place with many like-minded people. They want to see this community achieve a lot of success. So coming back and that decision was easy and I was ready to make the jump right away. 

Q: What has coaching taught you about yourself?

A: I don’t think coaching taught me about myself. I look at coaching as more of the effect instead of the cause. I think everything I have done in this field has made me a better person. Whether it’s being patient, a better teacher, or a better motivator, all of my experiences have shaped who I am today. These experiences make me a better coach.

Q: Any accomplishments you would like to add?

A: For me my biggest thing is the amount of guys that have graduated that I have coached. In the last two years, high school or college guys that I have coached have graduated. Things like that make the numbers and accomplishments on the field less meaningful for me. It’s all about shaping young men to go off in life and be great. Hopefully, they take with them some of the stuff I have tried to give them through football. 

Unfinished business, faith, and connection are the themes Jones is using to help catapult QU sprint football into greatness. His commitment to shaping young athletes goes beyond the scoreboard. As he continues his coaching career, it’s clear that his impact will be felt for years to come both on and off the field.