CU: 'Search Continues' After Jones Declines Coaching Job

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4)- University of Cincinnati football coach Butch Jones said he will not accept a coaching job with CU.

Jones told the CBS television affiliate in Cincinnati that he has withdrawn his name from consideration.

On Wednesday night, Jones called a report that he had accepted the position "absolutely false."

"That was an unfortunate report, certainly, but it won't be the last time that a newspaper or any media outlet goes with an unnamed source on a story like that. What effect it had on the search I really don't want to speculate on that," said CU spokesman Bronson Hilliard.

Jones had been weighing his options since meeting with athletic director Mike Bohn and other Colorado officials this week.

Jones was Colorado's top choice to replace Jon Embree, who was fired last week after going 4-21 in two seasons.

CU Chancellor Phil P. DiStefano released this statement, "Amid the very competitive environment for college coaches right now, it is vital for CU to get the right fit: a coach who can take our program to new levels of success, who embodies and endorses our values, and who is committed to taking us to the highest levels of competition in the Pac-12 Conference. We are not deterred in our process of finding this special coach and our search continues."

The next coach to take the reins for the Buffaloes will be inheriting a squad that went 1-11 this season, the worst mark in the 123-year history of the program. The Buffs also were 1-8 in the Pac-12.

Embree had three years remaining on the five-year contract he signed on Dec. 6, 2010, when he replaced Dan Hawkins, whose poor recruiting classes and string of losing seasons led to his dismissal.

Jones is 50-27 as a head coach, including 23-14 in three seasons at Cincinnati.