Jones is the only Florida State defense to win both the Butkus and Lombardi trophies in the same year, making him one of the best linebackers in college football history. He was a two-time consensus All-American and placed fourth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting. Jones led the Seminoles to a National Championship in 1990 and finished his FSU career with 159 tackles, 17 passes defensed and 2 interceptions. He entered the NFL draft after finishing his senior season at Florida State and was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the eighth overall pick. He played ten seasons in the NFL for the Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons, earning three consecutive First Team All-Pro selections from 1994 to 1996. As a member of the Steelers, he won a Super Bowl title in 2005. In total, Jones made 231 appearances and recorded 5,084 yards from scrimmage and 51 touchdowns. After retiring as a player, Jones returned to Florida State in 2001 as a coach on Tommy Tuberville's staff. He served as a defensive coordinator for four years before being promoted to head coach following the 2006 season. After going 4-8 his first year as a head coach, Jones has had three winning seasons in the last four years (2009, 2011, 2012). In addition to his work with FSU athletes, Jones has been involved in youth football programs throughout Central Florida.