NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Old Dominion University men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones, still recovering at home after suffering a heart attack in December, announced Sunday he would take a leave of absence from coaching for the rest of the season due to upcoming treatment for prostate cancer.
Jones has been recovering at home since he had a heart attack and subsequent stent procedure during the team’s trip to the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii.
Assistant coach Kieran Donohue will continue to serve as interim head coach. Jones, in a statement, thanked the team for their hard work and resilience.
“I would like to thank the ODU community for their kindness and well-wishes after my heart attack,” Jones said in a statement. “I would also like to thank [ODU President Dr. Brian Hemphill] and [athletic director Wood] Selig for their steadfast support. This was an extremely difficult decision to make, but I am confident that interim coach Kieran Donohue, the staff, and the players will continue to battle for the remainder of the season.”
Hemphill said Jones and his family have been a source of strength and called on the university community to support Jones as he focuses on his health. Selig, noting his relationship with Jones began in 1988 and spans five decades, called for fans to support Jones as he works “to regain the health required to lead our program.”