ODU’s Jeff Jones suffes heart attack in Hawaii

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Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones had a heart attack this week, the school confirmed. The 63-year-old is expected to make a full recovery, but he will likely remain in a hospital in Honolulu for the next 48-72 hours.

“He is resting comfortably and expecting a full recovery,” Old Dominion officials said in a statement Thursday.

Jones was in Hawaii for Old Dominion’s game against Texas Christian in the Diamond Head Classic tournament. 

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Old Dominion Monarchs head coach Jeff Jones speaks with the media during practice before the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament at XL Center in Hartford, Conn., March 20, 2019. (David Butler II/USA Today Sports)

Assistant coach Kieran Donohue was named the interim coach for Thursday’s game. Donohue will stay in the interim role for ODU’s two remaining games in Hawaii.

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Jones was named the Monarchs’ head coach in 2013. He made the move to Norfolk, Virginia, after a lengthy run coaching the American University basketball team.

Jones coached Old Dominion to an NCAA tournament berth during the 2018-19 season.

Jeff Jones coaches the Old Dominion Monarchs from the sideline

Head Coach Jeff Jones of the Old Dominion Monarchs yells to his team during a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Bud Walton Arena Nov. 13, 2023, in Fayetteville, Ark. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

The timetable for Jones’ return to the bench remains unclear. 

“Coach Jones and his family would like to thank Dr. Brandon Itagaki and the team at the Honolulu Straub Medical Center, along with ODU associate head athletic trainer Jason Mitchell for their prompt care and medical expertise,” the university’s statement added.

Jones has a 203-131 record at ODU. He started his coaching career in 1990 at Virginia. 

Jones began his coaching career in 1982 when he served as an assistant at Virginia. He served as the Cavaliers’ head coach from 1990-98, leading them to five NCAA tournament appearances.

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Once the Diamond Head Classic wraps, the Monarchs are scheduled to open Sun Belt Conference play with a Dec. 30 matchup against South Alabama.

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