Legendary Jerry Jones dies at 89, fans in shock mourn his death
Mia Phillips
Updated on March 31, 2026
University of Louisville men’s basketball assistant head coach Jerry Jones passed away on Monday, January 8. He was the right-hand man of celebrated head coach Denny Crum.
The dynamic duo were at the helm of Louisville basketball for more than two decades. Jones joined the program in 1973, a year after Crum, and was part of the team until 1996. After that, he stayed on as part of Crum’s staff until 2001.
Many locals will vouch that Jones’ tenure with the team can be considered a golden age. During his stint with the Cardinals, they reached the final four times, twice reaching the National Championships (1980 and 1986).
While being part of the university, Jones also worked as an assistant for the 1987 USA Pan American Games team. Later, he even served as chairman of the Assistant Basketball Coaches Committee of the NABC.
Last year, on May 9, Denny Crum passed away. During his eulogy, Jones said he did not work for Crum but rather worked with him.
I never worked for Denny Crum; I worked with Denny Crum, and I’ll always remember that and be appreciative of what he did for me. He was a friend; he was a best friend.Jones said, as per WHAS 11
Almost a year later, Jerry Jones has passed away. He was 89 years old. The University of Louisville shared on X (formerly Twitter). Many fans offered their condolences.
We're saddened to share the passing of Jerry Jones, longtime assistant coach under the late Denny Crum. Jones worked on the UofL coaching staff from 1973-1996.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones ❤️
— Louisville Men's Basketball (@LouisvilleMBB) January 8, 2024
Coach Jones was an incredible man. He was like a Grandpa to me while I was growing up, during the summers when my dad was working at UofL basketball camp. He was a complete gentleman, who was always quick to smile and lift others up. To know Coach Jones was to love him.
— Russ Davenport (@russdavenport) January 8, 2024
Rest in peace Coach Jones. No coach ever had a better right hand man than you were for Denny and no program had a bigger supporter in retirement.
— Williamncaudill (@wncaudill) January 8, 2024
Prayers to the family of Coach Jones. He meant so much to so many players who wore the jersey. I was blessed to have you coach me and I will be forever grateful for you and your family.
— Kenny Payne (@coachkennypayne) January 9, 2024
Coach Jones will always be special to me. As a high school freshman I sent a letter to the basketball office about coaching careers. We had a snow day and the Cards had a game that night, but he called me on the phone and talked for about 20 minutes!❤️
— Jack Recktenwald (@OutBackJack72) January 8, 2024
Rest in peace, Coach Jerry Jones.
— BROUGHT BROHM HOME (@BringBrohmHome) January 8, 2024
Thanks for contributing to the fabric of our community. Louisville Basketball brought our city closer and a big part of why it's such a special place. You'll always be an integral part of that. Thank you.#GoCards
Denny Crum and Jerry Jones had a great partnership
Last year, in November, Jerry Jones’ daughter, Sherry Jones, shared on X that her father had entered hospice care. During his final weeks, several of his former players and colleagues came to visit him.
Even before Denny Crum and Jerry Jones started working together in Louisville, they were well acquainted with each other. While working as an assistant on John Wooden’s staff at UCLA, Crum became friends with Jones, who was a speaker at the coaching clinic.
In a 2011 interview with The Courier-Journal, Crum said,
He's [Jerry Jones] just one of those guys who was meant to be a coach. He understands the game, has a great rapport with the kids, [and is] good around people. You knew he would do a great job.
Coach Jones I’d under the care of Hospice. It was so much fun thst they came over to watch todays game with him The Cardinal family loves him so much🏀🙏🏻❤️
— Sherry Jones (@Proudmimi54) November 20, 2023
Jones was inducted into the University of Louisville Hall of Fame in 1998. He may not be with his favorite people anymore, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone through his years of contributions to the growth of basketball.
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