BSC coach to lead new D-I program Joey Jones, who coached Birmingham-Southern in its inaugural Division III football season, has left to become the first varsity head coach at South Alabama. Like at Birmingham-Southern, Jones will be in charge of building a new program at USA, which will start at the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) in 2009 and transition to Football Bowl Subdivision in 2013. South Alabama has had a club football program for several years. Jones informed BSC athletic director Joe Dean Jr., the staff and players that he was leaving to accept the offer from South Alabama athletic director Joe Gottfried on Feb. 14. The Mobile Press-Register reports the position's salary is $275,000, an improvement from the $150,000 total compensation package at B-SC. "Joey Jones is a first-class person and outstanding football coach," said Dean. "We will always appreciate the great job he did in starting our football program and laying the foundation for its future success. South Alabama is a unique opportunity for Joey and we certainly wish him well in Mobile." BSC selected defensive coordinator Eddie Garfinkle to replace Jones. “After talking to a number of excellent football coaches, and discussing the current state of our young football program, Dr. Pollick and I both felt that it was in the best interest of our football players and staff to promote from within the program,” said Athletic Director Joe Dean, Jr. Before coming to Birmingham, Garfinkle coached linebackers at Division I-AA Georgia Southern and was the defensive coordinator for his alma mater, Division II Jacksonville State from 1986-1991. The Gamecocks played in the national title game in 1989 and 1991. | |
| Permalink | Feb 15, 2008 | |
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