When I saw that Casey Jones had decided to fill the assistant coaching opening at Cornell, my first thought was “good catch,” and my second thought was “hmmmm.”

Many have argued over the years that Jones, a Cornell alum (1990), was the strategic brains behind Ohio State’s rise from oblivion during his time as John Markell’s assistant. Jones has put his hat in the ring for various head coaching openings, and fallen short. It has also been said that, should Markell be let go, Jones would be in line for the job.

However, it’s all been long thought that Cornell head coach Mike Schafer — who was an assistant at Cornell when Jones was playing — is not a college coaching lifer. He has designs on pro hockey, and some time in the next five years or so, many expect him to leave.

So, putting all of this together — and seeing that, apparently, Ohio State is sticking with Markell — Jones made the move back to his alma mater, to a so-called “lesser conference,” and in so doing, perhaps put himself in position to become the next head coach at Cornell.

Something to think about.

Friday, August 29th, 2008 - 10:36 pm | Commentary