University of Memphis Athletics
Jones Tabbed as Track and Field Assistant Coach
Sep 16, 2025 | Men's Cross Country, Men's Track and Field, Women's Cross Country, Women's Track and Field
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis track and field head coach Kevin Robinson announced the addition of Charles "CJ" Jones as the program's newest assistant coach on Tuesday. Jones will oversee distance runners and the cross country program.
"I am excited to announce the hiring of CJ to take the reins of our distance and cross-country programs," said Robinson. "CJ has proven himself to be a very strong coach in a short amount of time. That, coupled with his elite-level talent and experience as a world-class runner, make him a tremendous asset to our staff. I am very excited to welcome CJ into the Memphis track and field family. I believe he will make an immediate and lasting impact."
Jones comes to Memphis after serving for seven years as the assistant boys' cross country coach at The Potomac School, a private institution in McLean, Virginia. During his tenure, the Panthers captured back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023 and finished as the runner-up in 2024.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Jones attended Cardinal Ritter College Prep before competing at Texas Tech, where he was the top-ranked recruit in his class. As a Red Raider, he became a Big 12 Champion in the 800 meters and helped the program secure three Big 12 Conference championships. He was a 13-time All-Conference performer, a three-time First Team All-American, and a five-time Second Team All-American.
Following his collegiate career, Jones signed with Under Armour and competed professionally for seven years. He was a finalist at the 2023 U.S. Championships and placed 12th at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.
"I'm incredibly thankful to the University of Memphis for the opportunity to be a part of this program," Jones said. "I don't take any of this for granted. My goal is to help elevate the team and continue building on the strong foundation of success that is already in place."
Jones and the men's and women's cross country teams will compete at the Rhodes Invitational this Saturday, September 20, with the first race at 8 a.m. at Shelby Farms.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Cross Country and Track & Field, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
"I am excited to announce the hiring of CJ to take the reins of our distance and cross-country programs," said Robinson. "CJ has proven himself to be a very strong coach in a short amount of time. That, coupled with his elite-level talent and experience as a world-class runner, make him a tremendous asset to our staff. I am very excited to welcome CJ into the Memphis track and field family. I believe he will make an immediate and lasting impact."
Jones comes to Memphis after serving for seven years as the assistant boys' cross country coach at The Potomac School, a private institution in McLean, Virginia. During his tenure, the Panthers captured back-to-back state championships in 2022 and 2023 and finished as the runner-up in 2024.
A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Jones attended Cardinal Ritter College Prep before competing at Texas Tech, where he was the top-ranked recruit in his class. As a Red Raider, he became a Big 12 Champion in the 800 meters and helped the program secure three Big 12 Conference championships. He was a 13-time All-Conference performer, a three-time First Team All-American, and a five-time Second Team All-American.
Following his collegiate career, Jones signed with Under Armour and competed professionally for seven years. He was a finalist at the 2023 U.S. Championships and placed 12th at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.
"I'm incredibly thankful to the University of Memphis for the opportunity to be a part of this program," Jones said. "I don't take any of this for granted. My goal is to help elevate the team and continue building on the strong foundation of success that is already in place."
Jones and the men's and women's cross country teams will compete at the Rhodes Invitational this Saturday, September 20, with the first race at 8 a.m. at Shelby Farms.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tiger Cross Country and Track & Field, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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