With the success Robert Jones has had in his time as Norfolk State men’s basketball coach, it was only a matter of time before another university took notice.
According to Field of 68 college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman, Jones is being courted by the University of Illinois at Chicago to replace Luke Yaklich, who was relieved of his duties following the conclusion of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
UIC is in negotiations with Norfolk State coach Robert Jones to replace Luke Yaklich, source told @TheFieldOf68.
Jones went to the NCAA tourney in 2021 and 2022 and is 124-42 in the MEAC in his 11 seasons.
UIC hasn’t been to the NCAA tourney since 2004.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) March 19, 2024
Jones, who has led the Norfolk State program since the 2013-14 season, sports a 210-148 record (124-42 in MEAC play) and two NCAA tournament appearances, including a 54-53 win over Appalachian State in the 2021 First Four.
The Spartans won the MEAC regular season championship in 2023 and 2024 but were upset by Howard University in the ’23 championship game and this year’s semifinals. Jones has been with the Spartan program since 2007 when he was first named as an assistant coach.
Upon Anthony Evans’ departure after the 2012-13 season, Jones was named interim head coach before having the interim tag removed during the 2013-14 season.
