LORETTO, Pa. (Apr. 21, 2008) – Saint Francis University Director of Athletics Bob Krimmel announced this evening that Red Flash men's basketball coach Bobby Jones has turned in his letter of resignation, ending his nine-year reign at the helm of the program.

Krimmel indicated that a national search will begin immediately to find Jones' replacement.

Jones spent nine seasons at Saint Francis and became the only coach in school history to lead the team to three consecutive winning seasons in Northeast Conference play 2002-03 through 2004-05. He guided the Red Flash to the NEC playoffs in four seasons, including three straight trips 2003-05. He has graduated 24 of the 25 student-athletes who have completed their eligibility under his guidance at SFU.

“I would like to thank Bobby Jones, his wife Gretchen and their daughter Maya for their nine years of dedication to Saint Francis University,” Krimmel said. “They have represented the university with the utmost class and dignity. Bobby's teams always represented the true concept of the student-athlete. The connection through their community service is unique in Division I basketball, and truly represented our Franciscan Values. We wish Bobby and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.”

Jones accrued an 85-167 career coaching record at Saint Francis. The Red Flash struggled the past three seasons with an 18-68 overall record. They finished 6-23 this past year, and just missed the NEC playoffs after a tough buzzer-beating shot ended their season at Fairleigh Dickinson.

“I believe the Bobby Jones years will be remembered for the integrity of the program as he brought a high level of values and good sportsmanship to our program,” said Saint Francis University President Father Gabriel Zeis, T.O.R. “We will be eternally grateful.”

Jones leaves with 85 career wins, which is tied for second-most in program history with his predecessor, Tom McConnell (1992-99).

“I would like to thank Saint Francis University and the community for their support and for the opportunity to coach here for the last nine years,” Jones said. “I am truly proud of the fact that during my tenure we have been a part of so many wonderful stories. When you look at some of the individuals who have come through this program and then look at what they have accomplished, we have a lot to be thankful for. Twenty-four of 25 student-athletes have graduated here, six have gone on to complete their master's degrees and one has completed his PhD.

“My goal and intentions here have always been to produce wonderful people out in the community. I think we have accomplished that in my nine years here. As a former student-athlete myself, I really wish that we could have gotten our teams into the NCAA Tournament. As a college athlete, there is nothing that compares to the experience of the NCAA Tournament. I leave here with deep regret that we weren't able to give our student-athletes the opportunity to experience that.

“I would also like to thank my former and current assistant coaches. I have had wonderful assistant coaches since I have been at Saint Francis. Some have gone on to become head coaches and others have moved on to enhance their careers. I feel truly blessed having played a small part in their growth and success.”

Jones was the 19th head coach in Saint Francis' 95-year history of men's basketball. He recruited and coached former Red Flash standout Darshan Luckey, who led the NEC in scoring during his freshman season and went on to make the all-NEC teams each of his three years in the program. Luckey was the 2003 NEC Rookie-of-the-Year, the only player in school history to receive the honor. Jones also coached four players to NEC All-Newcomer Team honors, including current players Marquis Ford (St. Petersburg, FL /St. Petersburg) (St. Petersburg, Fla. / St. Petersburg) and Devin Sweetney (Washington, DC /Riverdale Baptist) (Washington, D.C. / Riverdale Baptist). Jones' assistant, Rob Krimmel, was an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American under his guidance.

All 13 players on the current Red Flash roster have eligibility remaining for the 2008-09 season. Saint Francis' next head coach currently has one scholarship to give for next season, and will have seven seniors to replace after the 2008-09 campaign.