Arkansas State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton has announced that head football coach Butch Jones has signed a contract extension through December 31, 2029.
Jones, noted for leading four different programs to multiple bowl game appearances, has significantly contributed to the growth and success of the Arkansas State football program. Under his leadership, the team has improved its record each year, is set for a second consecutive bowl appearance, and has achieved its first winning season since 2019.
Purinton praised Jones for building a winning culture at Arkansas State, highlighting improvements in team performance, recruiting, and home attendance.
“The commitment and investment Coach Jones has made to build a winning culture here at A-State has been exceptional, and it’s reflected in the trajectory of our football program,” said Purinton. “Our football team’s record has improved each year under his leadership, we’re heading to a bowl game for the second consecutive season and our recruiting classes continue to impress. We have also seen a significant rise in home attendance year over year and consistent progress under his leadership both on and off the field. Our student-athletes have achieved high academic marks, earned their degrees and represented our university in a first-class manner in the community.”
Jones expressed gratitude for the support from university leadership and the community, emphasizing his commitment to the program.
“I would like to thank Dr. (Brendan) Kelly, Dr. (Todd) Shields, Jeff Purinton and the entire Board of Trustees for their unwavering and continuing support of not only myself, but our entire football program,” said Jones. “Also, I would like to thank our great fan base and community for their loyal support and energy surrounding Arkansas State Football. It truly is an honor and privilege to be the head football coach at Arkansas State University. I look forward to many great years to come and also look forward to seeing everyone at the bowl game.”
This season, Jones achieved his 100th career win as an FBS head coach, and attendance at home games has risen by 59 percent since he took over in 2021.
A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields and ASU System President Dr. Brendan Kelly both commended Jones for his leadership and the progress of the football program.
“We are excited to announce this contract extension for Coach Jones, a proven leader, winner and coach, who provides our football program with important continuity during a time when we’re seeing great change across intercollegiate athletics,” said A-State Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields. “The outstanding job he has done with our team the last four years is highly respected and recognized within the industry, so this extension was an important step for us in the evolution or our football program. He has displayed great attention to detail, organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage every aspect of our program, making him a true CEO head coach who is a great fit to help us navigate this new world of college football.”
Despite being picked to finish sixth and fourth in the Sun Belt’s West Division in 2023 and 2024, respectively, Arkansas State tied for second place both years under Jones’ direction. Most recently, in 2024, the Red Wolves won their most conference games (5) since 2019.
“Congratulations to Coach Jones and our entire football team as they prepare for a second consecutive bowl game,” said ASU System President Dr. Brendan Kelly. “The continued improvement of our football program the last four years is a testament to our head coach and the hard work of our student-athletes. I want to commend Jeff and Dr. Shields for their leadership on our A-State campus and work to complete this contract extension for Coach Jones, who shares our aligned vision for our football program and university.”
The contract extension reflects the university's confidence in Jones' ability to guide the team through the evolving landscape of college athletics. Jones' current contract is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2026.
Including 2025, each of A-State’s last four recruiting classes have been ranked first in the Sun Belt Conference by at least one of the major recruiting services.
