JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The University of North Florida has named Kailan Jones head coach of its cheerleading program, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Nick Morrow announced Monday.
Jones arrives in Jacksonville after spending the 2025-26 season as an assistant coach with the University of South Florida’s All-Girl Division IA program.
“It’s an honor to serve as the next head coach at North Florida,” Jones said. “I believe the strongest teams are built on trust, consistency and a shared commitment to excellence. I’m excited to invest in our student-athletes and help build a championship culture that represents the University of North Florida with pride.”
At South Florida, Jones contributed to athlete development, training, performance execution, game-day preparation and sideline presence.
He helped guide the Bulls to the 2026 UCA All-Girl Division IA Game Day national championship. South Florida also finished runner-up in the 2026 UCA All-Girl Division IA national championship and its division at The Cheerleading Worlds.
Jones brings more than a decade of experience coaching and instructing athletes at the high school and collegiate levels.
Since 2023, he has served as a collegiate skills instructor with Clark Specialties. He has also worked as a camp and retreat instructor with Sunshine College Retreat since 2022 and joined IMPACT Choreography and Skills as a skills instructor in 2026.
Jones previously served as a collegiate and high school instructor for Varsity Brands from 2011 through 2019. He is also certified through USA Cheer.
A native of Morehead, Kentucky, Jones earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Morehead State University, where he competed as a member of the cheerleading program.
