University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis running backs coach Anthony Jones Jr. selected to 2021 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute
Dec 07, 2020 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The American Football Coaches Association has selected Memphis running backs coach Anthony Jones Jr. as a participant in the 2021 AFCA 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute.
The leadership institute is a prestigious program aimed at identifying and developing premier future leaders among football coaches from across the country. Selected participants are invited to attend the one-day institute that features interactive lectures emphasizing leadership in coaching, ethics, influential responsibilities, career progress and family balance. This year's group of 35 were chosen from a field of more than 150 applicants.
Jones is a Memphis native in his third full season coaching running backs for the Tigers. He has coached former Tiger standouts and current NFL running backs Darrell Henderson, Tony Pollard, Patrick Taylor Jr. and Antonio Gibson. Kenneth Gainwell, who is likely to be in the NFL next season, led all FBS freshmen with 2,069 all-purpose yards last season under Jones' guidance.
In Jones' first two seasons, Memphis' rushing attack piled up 6,533 yards and scored 78 touchdowns. The 6,533 yards are the most over a two-season span (2018-19) in program history, and the 78 touchdowns via the ground are second in school history to only the 79 scored in 2017-18.
Members of the AFCA 2021 35 Under 25 Coaches Leadership Institute will become part of a network of rising coaches in the profession along with many other great benefits.
Though the 2021 convention has been moved to the AFCA digital library, all 2021 AFCA 35 Under 35 representatives will also get to participate in the 2022 convention.
