Cincinnati hires replacement for Kelly

CINCINNATI, Dec. 16 (UPI) -- The University of Cincinnati announced Wednesday Butch Jones has been hired to coach the school's football team.

For the second time in his career, Jones has replaced Brian Kelly as a university's head coach.

Kelly resigned last week to fill the coaching vacancy at Notre Dame. When Kelly left Central Michigan to come to Cincinnati three years ago, Jones took over the Chippewas.

Jones went 27-13 in his three years at Central Michigan and his teams won the Mid-American Conference title in 2007 and 2009. The Chippewas went 11-2 this season, defeated Ohio in the league championship game and will meet Troy in the GMAC Bowl Jan. 6.

"Butch Jones has proven himself to be a championship-caliber football coach," Cincinnati Athletic Director Mike Thomas said. "I am impressed by the qualities he brings to the table, his knowledge of the Big East Conference, and his desire to succeed."

Jones spent two years on the coaching staff at West Virginia before moving to Central Michigan.

Cincinnati, sporting a 12-0 record, will play Florida in the Sugar Bowl Jan. 1. The team will be led in the bowl game by offensive coordinator Jeff Quinn.