Jones Withdraws/Forced From Consideration

It is being reported on both Rivals Radio and Sporting News that Butch Jones has withdrawn his name from consideration for the head-coaching position at WVU.

If you merely watched last night's ESPN telecast of the Motor City Bowl, this comes as a complete shock to you. All night, the announcers consistently mentioned Jones and his (then upcoming) interview today with WVU officials. The way ESPN broadcasters were talking, it sounded as if Butch Jones had the chance to sign contract papers at halftime.

Of course, if you read WBGV, you'd know that, even despite the second interview (first official), Butch Jones had very little chance of becoming the next head-coach at West Virginia. While we are still working to confirm the circumstances around his announcement, it seems clear that he saw the writing on the wall after speaking to the WVU search committee. It was either 1) stay in consideration and face the potential embarrassment of not getting the job; or 2) withdraw and save face. He chose #2.

Again, we are working to confirm exactly why he withdrew and should (hopefully) have something pretty soon.

Stay tuned as we continue to track this developing story...