Jones to stay at Central Michigan

Jan 3, 2008 - 8:31 PM MOUNT PLEASANT, Michigan (Ticker) -- Butch Jones, mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Rich Rodriguez at West Virginia, is staying at Central Michigan.

Jones, who guided the Chippewas to the Mid-American Conference title in his first season as coach, signed a five-year extension on Thursday, the school announced.

Beginning with the 2008 season, Jones' base salary will increase to $265,000. The deal, which keeps him under contract at Central Michigan through 2012, also includes a number of incentives.

A former assistant at West Virginia, Jones interviewed for the Mountaineers' job. However, West Virginia promoted assistant Bill Stewart on Thursday to fill the vacancy left by Rodriguez's departure.

Jones said he is committed to building the Central Michigan program.

"I have made a commitment to be the head coach here," he said. "I am looking forward to leading our program to even more success in the coming seasons."

The Chippewas posted an 8-6 record this season, losing to Purdue, 51-48, in the Motor City Bowl on a last-second field goal.

In that game, Central Michigan twice erased 21-point deficits before the Boilermakers kicked a field goal on the game's final play.

"There is no question that we are fortunate to have one of the true rising stars of the coaching profession leading our football program," Central Michigan athletic director Dave Heeke said.

Jones took the Central Michigan job after former Chippewas coach Brian Kelly left for Cincinnati.

Jones became just the ninth coach in the MAC's 61-year history to win a conference title in his first season.