Viking Football Coach Don Jones uses unorthodox coaching strategies

The Hudsonian Student Newspaper Monday, November, 18Monday, November, 18 0 Comments Alford, Brokalis, coach, Don Jones, Football, Hudson Valley Community College, HVCC, Liana, Stephen, Team, Vikings

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By: Liana Alford

Web Editor

Hudson Valley Community College first met Don Jones in March of 2019 when he had just been appointed as the new Head Coach of the football team.

Now, settled into his position with the football season still underway, Jones explains what it’s like being Head Coach.

According to Jones, the adjustments were to be expected for his new position.

“I think the biggest difference is the time, the management of time, the things that may be unforeseen,” Jones said. “There’s definitely a lot more meetings, but that was to be expected, [and] a lot more outside commitment.”

Jones said that until you’ve experienced firsthand being in a certain situation, you’re expected to go through times that are difficult.

Though Jones’ has more responsibilities as Head Coach, he doesn’t let those factors affect his ability to coach and guide his players to their potential.

“It’s very relaxed and fun, it doesn’t put too much pressure on you– in previous years it felt more like a job,” he said.

Scott O’Hara, an individual studies major and the Vikings Football team’s center, describes the environment with Don Jones as the new Head Coach.

During his three years playing Hudson Valley Community College football, O’Hara said he has never been exposed to Jones’ style of coaching before— “just a different kind of coaching”.

According to O’Hara, with previous coaching there was a strict “one strike– you’re out” way of running things. There was no option for second chances— unlike Jones, who is more lenient and will allow players to correct their wrongs to make things right.

For Jones, it’s important for him to coach from both sides of the ball. In order to lay down the foundation for the team, he must envision the entirety of the team to determine what works for the group as a whole. This poses its challenges, but he’s learning too.

“He brought a coaching staff, that’s really it,” O’Hara said. “After coming here, over the past few years I’ve had terrible coaches try to help me out, but lately [Jones] went out there, and he got a brand new offensive line coach– who’s probably been the best I’ve ever had.”

O’Hara continued, “Coach Jones brought fun back to the sport.”