DeMatha Catholic High School conducted a nationwide search for its new varsity basketball head coach. On Thursday, the Stags announced the hiring of Mike G. Jones III as their next head coach.
Jones previously coached at St. Stephen/St. Agnes in Alexandria, Virginia. He’ll begin his new position later this spring and will lead DeMatha’s summer basketball camp, according to the school announcement.
DeMatha had been searching for a head coach to replace former alum Mike Jones (no relation), who departed the school to be an associate coach at Virginia last summer. Pete Strickland served as interim coach for the Stags this season.
“We are grateful to Pete Strickland for stepping up and leading te team this past year and we are thrilled to welcome Coach Jones to DeMatha,” DeMatha president Father James R. Day said in a statement. “His experience, reputation and ability to find the best in players both as individuals and athletes are very consistent with our DeMatha philosophy of academics and athletics.”
Jones’ experience includes two years as an assistant with the Brooklyn Nets. While at St. Stephen/St. Agnes, he guided the Saints to three straight IAC championships, a 2019 Virginia State title and two runner-ups.
“I am honored and excited to lead this program. The rich tradition, culture and history of DeMatha makes this an unbelievable opportunity for me and my family,” Jones said in a release.
Remarkably, Jones becomes just the third Stags head coach in 66 years. He follows Morgan Wooten (1956-2002) and Mike Jones (2002-2021).
