Gladiators Keep Dominic Jones as DB Coach

(photo credit: clevelandgladiators.com)

The Cleveland Gladiators couldn't let a talented player like Dominic Jones get away. After a four-year AFL career that saw him net 337.5 tackles, nine interceptions, seven touchdowns, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and two franchise records, the team announced he'll be staying on as the new defensive backs coach.

The Second Team All-Arena kick returner in 2013 is a rookie behind the bench, but the 5'9", 190-lb back has never been intimidated by any challenge.

“I’m excited, obviously I played the majority of my career in Cleveland so to be able to continue that in a coaching aspect under Coach [Ron] Selesky and Coach [Steve] Thonn, two of the best minds in the AFL, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity. I’m just happy to be able to stay in the game.”

As someone who always played bigger than their size, Jones brings a level of physicality unmatched by anyone in the league. His skill and leadership both on the field and on the sideline helped create Cleveland's own "No Fly Zone," a secondary that propelled the team to one of the best seasons in Arena Football League history, going 17-1 and reaching ArenaBowl XXVII,

“We are very excited to have DJ back with our organization as part of our coaching staff,” said COO/VP of Franchise Operations Mike Ostrowski. “His passion and knowledge for the Arena game and the leadership qualities he demonstrated for many years on the field will be a tremendous benefit to our players.”

Head coach Steve Thonn was the first to mention Jones’ playing days, and how they'll translate to helping develop players as part of a coaching staff.

“It’s great to have DJ join our coaching staff, his experience as a player in this league will be extremely valuable in assisting our defensive backs. He also brings that element of intensity to the staff that he showed when he was on the field.”

Ostrowski seconded the opinion, and offered his own take about an instant advantage the Gladiators now have with a former player of Jones' caliber on the sidelines.

“Having him in the locker room every day working with our guys and providing that strategic edge in the way he sees the game as a former player will be a huge asset for us. Along with Coach Thonn, Selesky and Smith, DJ will be a great addition to our group.”

While Dominic already knows what to expect from his guys going into training camp and the 2016 season, making the transition from player to being a coach will be tough to get used to, but he’s excited for what lies ahead.

“It’s going to be bittersweet, I’m going to have those same butterfly jitters that I got as a player. I don’t think you ever really lose that. I’ll just need to get myself into a different routine, maybe change up my music list a bit. It’ll be new for me but I just have to find my groove.”

“I want our guys to create their own identity,” Jones added. “I want those guys just coming into the league to make a mark for themselves. I want them to get out there and appreciate the game that they’re playing because you never know when it’s going to be gone. Within that, I expect the guys to go out there and play for each other.”

Defensive backs coach will not be the only hat Dominic dons this year, as he will remain a key Gladiators ambassador, representing the team at events and appearances in the marketplace, furthering develop relationships with the youth, high school, and college football community, and participating in various Gladiators community relations efforts in Northeast Ohio.

A native of Columbus, Ohio, Jones started his collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, where he tallied 137 tackles in two seasons as a Golden Gopher. He transferred to Otterbein University for his senior season, where he earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference, All-Region, and First-Team All-America honors.