TYLER, Texas — The University of Texas at Tyler Director of Athletics, Sam Ferguson, announced today that Kenny Jones will retire as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at the conclusion of the 2026 season. Jones is the only head coach in the history of the program and is in his 25th season leading the Patriots. A trailblazer, a builder, and a champion in every sense of the word, Jones leaves behind a legacy that served student-athletes on the pitch as well as in their lives beyond the game.
From the very first kick of the 2002 inaugural season, Jones has embodied UT Tyler soccer. He created the Patriots program from scratch with nothing but a vision and relentless passion. What he built over 25 extraordinary seasons is nothing short of amazing: an elite culture, a championship pedigree, and a family of student-athletes who are better people because they played for him.
"It is impossible to overstate what Coach Jones has meant to this university and this athletics department," said Ferguson. "He didn't just build a men's soccer program; he built a legacy of excellence that defines what it means to be a Patriot. We are forever grateful for his 25 years of dedication, sacrifice, and championship-level leadership. His program is the epitome of what it means to develop student-athletes into Champions of Character, Champions in Competition, and Champions in their Careers. East Texas has been blessed by Kenny Jones, and we will celebrate him with full hearts all season long."
When the UT Tyler Men's Soccer program played its very first game in 2002, Kenny Jones was on the sideline. He has been there for every game since. In his second season, he delivered the program's greatest achievement: a near-perfect 19-1 record and the 2003 USCAA National Championship, defeating Maine-Machias 5-0 to claim the title and earning ASC and USCAA Coach of the Year honors in the process.
"Being the first head coach of the UT Tyler program and having the opportunity to build it from the ground up has been an incredible honor," Jones said. "After 25 years, I'm incredibly proud of what we've accomplished, but even more proud of the people who have been part of this program. The relationships with our players have always been the most meaningful part of the job. Watching them grow as athletes, students, teammates, and ultimately as people has been the great reward of my career."
Over 15 seasons in the American Southwest Conference, Jones turned UT Tyler into a dynasty that included six conference championships, four NCAA Division III Tournament appearances, and a 110-32-16 conference record. The 2011 Patriots team reached the NCAA Quarterfinals with an 18-3-2 record, producing All-Americans like Victor Almendariz and Jake Urbaniak, who also earned the D3Soccer.com National Defender of the Year award. Jones took the Patriots to their fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in 2017 before leading the program through its transition into NCAA Division II and the Lone Star Conference.
"The wins and accomplishments are special," Jones continued, "but the people are what I will remember most. UT Tyler has given me lifelong relationships, incredible memories, and the privilege of being part of something bigger than myself. I came here to build a soccer program, but along the way we built a family. I'll always be grateful for this program and for everyone who helped make these 25 years so special."
In the Division II era, Jones continued to compete and inspire. His 2021 Co-Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year award came on the heels of one of the most dramatic stretches in program history when the Pats boasted three straight 1-0 wins, including a victory over nationally ranked St. Mary's. That same fall, the Patriots came back from a 2-0 deficit in the final regular season game at Dallas Baptist, scoring the golden goal 44 seconds into overtime to secure the program's first-ever LSC Tournament berth. It was quintessential Jones: composure under pressure, faith in his players, and a championship mentality every single day.
Last season, the Patriots finished a competitive, hard-fought 8-8-3 overall season and a 4-4-2 conference record across 19 games. The Patriots showed the resolve and competitive character that has defined the Jones era from the opening whistle in 2002. The program won its first LSC Tournament match and equaled their highest win total since transitioning to Division II. This season, the Pats are off to a 1-0-1 start after a win over DBU and a draw in their home opener against No. 5 Rogers State. The talent and effort are there for an exciting run in 2026.
A Conway, AR, native and Hendrix College standout, where he was named Most Outstanding Male Athlete, Jones earned his Master's in Social Work from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock. He holds a US Soccer National "A" License and has served on the North Texas Coaching Education and Olympic Development Staffs. Jones spent three seasons building a winning program at the University of Dallas (1999–2001) before being named UT Tyler's inaugural head coach. He is married to Hannah. The couple has two children: daughter Maya and son Jase.
