EAST GREENSBORO – The NCAA and NFL Coaches Academy selected North Carolina A&T football's linebacker coach Denzel Jones to participate in its program. The event provides current, full-time college football coaches at NCAA member schools an educational opportunity to build connections and develop leadership acumen to pursue their career aspirations.

  "As an Aggie alumnus, it was truly an honor to represent N.C. A&T at the NCAA/NFL Coaches Academy," said Jones. "The sessions were informative and impactful, and I was one of three coaches from an HBCU." 

The event took place virtually June 20-21. 

Topics at the academy included effective communication with campus and community constituents, the importance of building a culture focused on the overall success of the student-athletes, budget management of a football program, and coaching strategies and philosophies. 

"I had the opportunity of learning from several college head coaches, former NFL coaches, NFL general managers, and Power 5 athletic directors," said Jones. "The academy gave me innovative techniques that I can apply to my coaching philosophy." 

Jones played football for four seasons at N.C. A&T, graduating in 2016 with a degree in supply-side management. He finished his career with 130 tackles (71 unassisted). He also had 16.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, three pass breakups and six passes defended. 

He earned second-team All-MEAC honors in 2015, and he garnered 2015 Celebration Bowl defensive MVP honors in the Aggies win over Alcorn State. 

As the Aggies inside linebackers coach since 2018, Jones has helped the Aggies put together one of the nation's best defenses.