MEAC Basketball: Top 10 head coaches of the century (2000-20)

By Joey Loose | Jun 16, 2020

OMAHA, NE - MARCH 16: Players for the Norfolk State Spartans support their teammates from the bench against the Missouri Tigers during the second round of the 2012 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at CenturyLink Center on March 16, 2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images) /

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DURHAM, NC – NOVEMBER 18: Interim Head Coach Robert Jones of the Norfolk State Spartans (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

9. MEAC Basketball coach rankings – Robert Jones (Norfolk State, 2013-2020)

After spending six years as an assistant, Jones took over as Norfolk State’s head coach in 2013, proving himself after his first season was spent as interim head coach. He’s a former high school coach who was around as Norfolk State became a consistent contender in the MEAC. There are never guarantees when an assistant takes over, but Jones has certainly continued the momentum for his program.

In this first seven years in Norfolk, Jones hasn’t yet led Norfolk State back to the NCAA Tournament, but there’s no reason for panic. In each of these seasons, he’s won at least 11 MEAC games, finished in the top 4 of the league, and has made five postseason appearances. His 84-28 mark in MEAC play is insanely good, and the 2019 team won 22 games and the regular season title.

There’s reason for optimism moving forward that Jones can breakthrough and win his first MEAC Tournament crown. He’s done an incredible job of building winning consistency with the program, including those four CIT appearances. In a low-major league like the MEAC, any coach who can achieve this kind of continuous success is absolutely deserving of a place on this list.