He has two grown daughters, Audrey and Whitney, and lives in Carleton, Michigan with his wife.[1]
Playing career
Jones pitched for five seasons in Oakland (1980–84), almost entirely out of the bullpen (three starts in 112 appearances). He compiled a 9–9 record and eight saves with a 3.95 ERA, striking out 128 batters in 205 innings.
After numerous stints as the Tigers bullpen coach, most recently 2007–2011, Jones was moved to the position of pitching coach on July 3, 2011. This followed the firing of pitching coach Rick Knapp, after a six-game stretch where Tiger pitchers gave up a combined 54 runs against the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. Jones' contract expired at the end of the 2011 season, but the Tigers chose to tender a new contract to bring him back for 2012 and beyond.[2]
On October 19, 2015, Jones announced his retirement, following 38 years in baseball. During his tenure as pitching coach, Jones coached two Tigers pitchers to Cy Young Awards, Justin Verlander in 2011, and Max Scherzer in 2013.[3]
