Michael Jones, an integral part of the Harlan County boys basketball program since the beginning in 2008, announced his resignation Thursday.
Jones posted a 174-65 record in eight seasons as the head coach, winning at least 18 games every year and leading the Black Bears to five 52nd District titles and the school’s first 13th Region Tournament title in 2017.
A standout guard on Harlan’s 1993 regional tournament champion, Jones was a two-time all-state selection for the Dragons under his dad, Mike Jones. He coached under his father at Harlan and Clay County and was a member of Jones’ staff the first four years at HCHS before taking over as head coach before the 2014-2015 season.
The Bears posted a 19-11 record last season, missing the regional tournament for only the second time in Jones’ tenure.
“Coach Jones has been a staple in our program since its inception and was an integral part of building our program to what it is today,” said HCHS athletic director Eugene Farmer. “Coach Jones will always be a part of our HC family. He has compiled so many accolades during his tenure. We wish him and his entire family the very best.”