Steelers Now
Former Pittsburgh Steelers first-round pick Jarvis Jones has been named head coach at his alma mater, Carver-Columbus High School in Georgia.
Jones, a 2009 graduate of Carver-Columbus, was a blue-chip, four-star recruit coming out of high school. He earned a selection to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was also an all-state basketball player, showcasing his athleticism across multiple sports.
He began his college career at USC but transferred to the University of Georgia after his freshman season. Once in Athens, Jones became a household name, emerging as one of the most dominant defenders in the country. A two-time All-American, he led the SEC with 14.5 sacks in 2012 and was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year. That season, he also captured the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker.
Jones’ elite production at Georgia, paired with strong testing numbers during the pre-draft process, made him a highly coveted prospect. The Steelers selected him with the 17th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
However, Jones struggled to find the same success at the professional level. In four seasons with Pittsburgh, he recorded just six sacks and failed to consistently break through as a starter. After his rookie contract expired, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals but was released with an injury settlement and never played a snap for the team.
Following his playing career, Jones returned to Georgia in 2019, joining the Bulldogs’ coaching staff as an assistant outside linebackers coach. He was part of the coaching staff during Georgia’s national championship runs in 2021 and 2022.
Jones now joins a growing list of former NFL players transitioning into coaching roles, following in the footsteps of names like Teddy Bridgewater and DeSean Jackson, who are bringing their on-field knowledge to the next generation.
While his NFL career may not have unfolded the way many hoped, Jones’ return to lead his high school program represents a full-circle moment and a meaningful way to give back to the game and the community that helped shape him.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steelers First-Round Pick Named Head Coach at Alma Mater
