MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama and head football coach Joey Jones have agreed to a contract addendum that raises his salary to $435,000 per year and adds a year to the agreement, extending it through 2017.
Contract Details
South Alabama’s athletic director said the new deal places Jones “at the middle of the pack” among Sun Belt Conference head coaches. That comparison is based on the league’s lineup for next season, which adds Georgia Southern, Appalachian State, Idaho and New Mexico State and no longer includes Western Kentucky.
Jones is 31-21 in five seasons as South Alabama’s only head coach. The Jaguars went 6-6 last season, winning their final three games, including a victory over Sun Belt co-champion Louisiana-Lafayette, to become bowl eligible in their first year of eligibility. South Alabama did not receive a bowl invitation.
The Jaguars finished 4-3 in Sun Belt play last season, tying for third place in the conference.
Spring Practice Under Way
South Alabama held its second practice of the spring on Wednesday, a session that lasted more than two hours as coaches worked to get players as many repetitions as possible.
Much of the practice was devoted to 7-on-7 drills. Brandon Bridge entered spring drills as the No. 1 quarterback, while Trey Fetner has completed several accurate deep passes through the first two practices. Bridge has also connected on deep throws but has had difficulty with deep out routes early in camp.
South Alabama returns most of its offensive starters from last season.
Rebuilding the Defense
The defense must replace several key contributors who graduated, particularly on the defensive line, where Romelle Jones and Pat Moore have departed. The Jaguars also lost linebackers Clifton Crews, Bryson James and Enrique Williams.
Last season’s defensive coordinator, Kevin Sherrer, is no longer with the program. Travis Pearson, who coached the inside linebackers last season, has been promoted to defensive coordinator.
Pearson’s priority this spring is building depth before fall practice, when additional newcomers will join the roster. He has expressed approval of the energy his unit has shown so far.
Veterans to Lead
Returning defenders Jesse Kelley, Jerome McClain, Terrell Brigham, Qudarius Ford, Montell Garner and Roman Buchanan are among the players expected to help guide incoming newcomers. Until then, the defense will concentrate on fundamentals in preparation for the 2014 season.
South Alabama plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
