LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Editor's note: The above video first aired in November 2023 and is regarding a tribute to Denny Crum.
Jerry Jones, a longtime Louisville men's basketball assistant coach who spent over 20 years alongside the legendary Denny Crum, died Monday. He was 89.
Jones joined Crum's staff in 1973 and served as an assistant coach until 1996. Jones then spent five more years working with Crum as a university relations assistant until 2001.
Jones was part of five Final Four teams, and two national championships in 1980 and 1986. He was inducted into the UofL Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998.
Former UofL sports information director Kenny Klein said Jones was vital to the program's success.
"UofL lost a great one with the passing of Coach Jerry Jones today," Klein said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. "He played a huge role in the success of Louisville men's basketball on and off the court for over two decades as an assistant with Denny Crum. He was well-loved and appreciated by many, and made a real impact in my life."
Jones also coached for Crum as an assistant during the 1987 USA Pan American Games. He served for a period as the chairman of the Assistant Basketball Coaches Committee of the NABC.
Jones was Crum's right-hand man for years, often coaching the team when Crum got ejected or was sick. He would also fill in for Crum on his weekly radio show.
Crum's 675 wins are the most in program history. He ranks 74th all time.
Crum passed away in 2023.
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