http://www.hokiesports.com/pr/recaps/20160610aaa.html
BLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Whit Babcock announced Saturday that he has accepted the resignation of Kevin Jones as Assistant Athletics Director, Special Projects and Design. Jones expressed his desire to continue working with his own Blacksburg-based firm, JoBa Design, and to pursue his MBA from Virginia Tech.
"We appreciate the many contributions Kevin has made to Tech Athletics, especially his work in the past two years," Babcock said. "Kevin will remain a great ambassador for the Hokies even though he will no longer be serving in an official capacity. His design concepts on Union Park at English Field, as well as his tireless efforts in transforming the look and feel of the Merryman Center will be lasting contributions to our department for many years to come
This is a surprise and one I'm not happy with in terms of what it means for Athletic Department. While in happy for Kevin Jones this leaves a hole that will need to be filled, especially when it comes to bringing in former players to the fold.
Comments
I got to meet him at a big tailgate before OSU game in Blacksburg. He was with two guys in suits and walking around shaking hands with all the big Donors.
It's disappointing at first read. But reading he's staying in Blacksburg and pursuing
his MBA sounds like a good thing.
Don't get me wrong it's great for him and his family. But purely selfish reasons it's bad for: bridging the gap with former players, helping with recruiting, helping with some of the other projects he has been doing. Kevin was a valuable part of the athletic department team.
Perfect for a certain number 7 to fill perhaps?
Marcus Davis?
Or maybe Kevin Jones' alter ego. He did wear number 7 at first.
Sean Glennon
(All jokes aside, when Glennon was blocked well, he threw the ball pretty well)
Yep. To the opposing team (hey-oh!).
Lamont Pegues?
I don't disagree with you there.
I'm pretty selfish by nature, and I still just don't see how this is a detriment to anyone.
Not surprised. Pure speculation, but this may clear some conflict of interests for his design firm with VT. Also,the Derrick Smith article a month ago didn't paint KJ in the best light, given his role.
Link?
Here is the thread. No direct reference to KJ but the issues seem to fall near his role's responsibility. FWIW, Issue seems to go back much further than 2 years.
http://www.thekeyplay.com/content/2016/april/27/former-football-players-...
FACK!!! Fuck-dammit! Alright, fine.
Conspiracy theory? GO!
Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Whit Babcock announced Saturday that he has accepted the resignation of Kevin Jones as Assistant Athletics Director, Special Projects and Design. Jones expressed his desire to continue working with his own Blacksburg-based firm, JoBa Design, and to pursue his MBA from Virginia Tech.
This honestly to me sounds like what military guys do when they get out. Start up their own business of what they used to do so they will be contracted by the same employer for more money. So KJ seems to be starting his own business to not only continue working with VT but maybe there are other schools, companies, and/or organizations that he could provide service to... that is my two cents
Bingo! He goes into business for himself, focusing on what he liked/was good at, and hires someone else to do the rest of the crap. He's going pro-in the non-sports program. Good for him. Sounds like his focus was with the facilities plan, and that is largely done. Whit can now bring in someone who's focus will be more on building alumni relationships, with a fresh start and stated purpose. Love KJ, glad he's sticking around ala Bruce, but not sure there is not room for an upgrade at the position now that the needs are different.
I like KJ the person and player but honestly not sure it leaves any type of hard to fill hole. I don't think we'd have heard so much discontent this spring from former players if he was doing a great job on that area. This may clear the way for someone with a better skillset in that area to be hired and allow KJ to continue working with the athletic department as a contractor in the areas he excels.
The issue is he was just turned loose on this issue. I can't think of another football player with his education or business persona to step into that position.
@DCHOKIE02 I came here to write the same (unpopular) comment. 100% with you here.
A lot of schools have great success getting former players involved without having a former "star player" working in the Athletic department. I think Whit will be fine... he will make a good hire. We have no reason to think otherwise.
hopefully Lee Suggs can replace KJ. Best of luck to KJ , he will always be a hokie.
Good dude- glad he's staying around
Where's Corey Moore? He can just scare everyone into doing what he wants.
MBA you say?? Hey does he have eligibility left???
Paging James Gayle...
He's already on-staff as vp of twitter pawnage
Hey, I got an idea. How about THIS GUY?
/S
Nope, will acknowledge that he ever wore a VT uniform. MV was an only child and that is what I am sticking to
Kind of a bummer on the top but Frank Beamer developed many men of a good character like KJ. I'm sure we can find someone else to fill that role. Not to take anything away from KJ...
I deal with the distribution of manufactured goods. Every morning I wake up and have to find out who the new rep is. Nothing is static anymore. Next!
What's DW up to these days? Always seemed to be a very personable player. Former pro. Just saying.
That was my first thought. He's da ballz. Plus, he can do several back-flips in succession.
Last I heard, training for the Olympics.
Yup, in San Diego.
It's pronounced K E V I N.
Little known fact, it's actually pronounced "Mike".