Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones receives extension through 2029 season

Arkansas State head coach Butch Jones has received a contract extension through the 2029 season, the University announced on Friday.

The news comes as Butch Jones has led the Red Wolves to a 7-5 season thus far. Arkansas State still has a bowl game to play later this month.

Jones is in his fourth season leading the Arkansas State program. The Red Wolves went 2-10 in 2021, his first season at the helm, but they have improved every year since.

Butch Jones finished 6-7 last year but has already clinched a winning season in 2024, leading to him receiving a contract extension. Jones was previously the head coach at Tennessee from 2013-17. He had up-and-down results in Knoxville but appears to have found a home with Arkansas State.

“I would like to thank Dr. (Brendan) Kelly, Dr. (Todd) Shields, Jeff Purinton and the entire Board of Trustees for their unwavering and continuing support of not only myself, but our entire football program,” Butch Jones said in a statement. “Also, I would like to thank our great fan base and community for their loyal support and energy surrounding Arkansas State Football. It truly is an honor and privilege to be the head football coach at Arkansas State University. I look forward to many great years to come and also look forward to seeing everyone at the bowl game.”

Jones is one of 17 active FBS head coaches to have won 100 career games, according to the Arkansas State release. The Red Wolves won five conference games this season, which is their most since 2019.

“The commitment and investment Coach Jones has made to build a winning culture here at A-State has been exceptional, and it’s reflected in the trajectory of our football program,” Arkansas State Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics Jeff Purinton said in a statement. “Our football team’s record has improved each year under his leadership, we’re heading to a bowl game for the second consecutive season and our recruiting classes continue to impress. 

“We have also seen a significant rise in home attendance year over year and consistent progress under his leadership both on and off the field. Our student-athletes have achieved high academic marks, earned their degrees and represented our university in a first-class manner in the community.”