Former Tennessee Vols head coach Butch Jones is bringing the corny in his new job at Arkansas State

When Butch Jones was the head coach at Tennessee, he was known for his corny phrases and vapid slogans that often invoked eye-rolls and heavy sighs from anyone within earshot. Surely a few years with Nick Saban at Alabama helped Jones learn the importance of self-awareness? Nope. Not one bit. Jones, who was named the […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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When Butch Jones was the head coach at Tennessee, he was known for his corny phrases and vapid slogans that often invoked eye-rolls and heavy sighs from anyone within earshot.

Surely a few years with Nick Saban at Alabama helped Jones learn the importance of self-awareness?

Nope. Not one bit.

Jones, who was named the head coach of the Arkansas State Red Wolves last winter, spoke to reporters this week at the Sun Belt media day. And he is still just as corny as ever.

The former Vols head coach announced that he spent time this summer to come up with a name for Arkansas State's student section, which he's decided to call the "House of Howls".

Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiving Group, kansas city chiefs
Nov 29, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) the touchdown scored by running back Ronald Jones (27) against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

That news was instantly met with the reaction you'd expect from Twitter users.

Nov 29, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland (21) celebrates with wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) after an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland (21) celebrates with wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) after an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tyrann Mathieu scores TD
Dec 6, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) celebrates with teammates after an interception during the second half against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

As if that wasn't bad enough, Jones finished off the press conference with an out-of-touch quote that can best be described as bewildering.

"It's a mindset of why can't we build the best college football program in America," said Jones. "You know at Central Michigan we got to a point where we felt we were the best football program in America. We were ranked in the top 25. I want to say we were 22-3 in league play and that kind of mindset has kind of followed us."

The best football program in America?

Keep in mind that Jones' final season at Central Michigan was in 2009 when Alabama went 14-0.

Now, to be fair to Jones, he had a nice run at Central Michigan. The Chippewas went 27-13 during his three years as the program's head coach.

But they were far from the best team in America. In 2009, which was Central Michigan's best season under Jones, they were blown out by a Boston College team that was never ranked during the season.

And let's not forget that Brian Kelly, who is now the head coach at Notre Dame, did all the heavy lifting at Central Michigan. He rebuilt the program and then left for Cincinnati.

Vintage Butch Jones. He's never going to change. Arkansas State fans are in for a steady dose of clichés, excuses, and frustration.

Featured image via Caitie McMekin/Pool via News Sentinel via Imagn Content Services

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