Former Georgia Bulldogs Star Jarvis Jones Returns to Carver-Columbus as Head Coach to Lead Alma Mater into New Era

Jarvis Jones is returning home, not just to the city that helped shape his rise to football prominence, but to the very field where his passion for the game was forged. The former Georgia Bulldogs All-American and NFL first-round draft pick has officially been named the new head football coach at Carver High School in Columbus, Georgia — his alma mater. For Jones, this moment isn’t just about football. It’s about giving back to a community that gave him everything.

“I always knew I wanted to come back,” Jones said during his introductory press conference. “This school, this city, these people — they’re a part of who I am. Coaching at Carver isn’t just a job. It’s a calling.”

Jones, who starred at Carver-Columbus before becoming one of the most feared linebackers in college football at the University of Georgia, brings not only a wealth of experience from his playing days but also a deeply rooted sense of pride in his hometown. His hiring has already sent a wave of excitement through the Carver community, where alumni, students, and city leaders alike are rallying behind one of their own.

A five-star recruit out of Carver, Jones was known for his sideline-to-sideline speed, physicality, and instinctive play. After an initial stint at USC that was cut short due to a neck injury, Jones transferred to Georgia, where he flourished under then-head coach Mark Richt. In 2011 and 2012, he was arguably the most dominant defensive player in the country, earning back-to-back All-American honors and finishing near the top of the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss. His performances were instrumental in Georgia’s deep runs in the SEC, and his leadership became a defining aspect of the Bulldogs’ locker room during those years.

After declaring for the 2013 NFL Draft, Jones was selected in the first round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, who envisioned him as the next great linebacker in their vaunted defensive lineage. Injuries, however, would ultimately derail his professional career, limiting him to just four seasons in the NFL. But where one door closed, another opened. Jones quickly found a new passion in mentoring young athletes and began working closely with Georgia’s football program, serving in various off-the-field roles including player development. His work there further revealed his gift for leadership and for inspiring the next generation.

Now, with his return to Carver-Columbus, Jones has the opportunity to mold a program in his own image — built on discipline, community, accountability, and heart. Those who know him say he’s exactly the kind of figure the young men at Carver need.

“He’s a leader of men,” said Georgia head coach Kirby Smart. “Jarvis has always had the respect of his teammates, his coaches, and now these young players are going to benefit from his wisdom. Carver is lucky to have him.”

Indeed, the expectations are high, but so is the belief. Carver-Columbus has long been a powerhouse in Georgia high school football, boasting numerous playoff appearances, state title games, and Division I prospects over the past two decades. Yet, like many programs, it has also seen its fair share of turnover and inconsistency in recent years. Bringing in a figure like Jones — someone who knows what success looks like and has lived it at every level — is a bold and potentially transformative move.

Jones wasted no time setting the tone for his tenure. In his first meeting with the team, he spoke candidly about what it takes to win — not just on the scoreboard, but in life. He talked about character, preparation, and the importance of seizing every opportunity. Players described the meeting as emotional, powerful, and galvanizing.

“Coach Jones didn’t come in with a bunch of rah-rah,” said senior defensive back Jaylen Thomas. “He was real with us. He told us we’re going to work harder than we ever have, but he also told us he’s going to be right there with us every step of the way. That means everything.”

The message resonated with more than just the players. Parents, former alumni, and Columbus city officials are rallying around the program in ways that haven’t been seen in years. Season ticket inquiries are on the rise, local businesses are pledging support, and the school’s booster club has already launched new fundraising initiatives aimed at upgrading equipment and facilities.

Jones knows that rebuilding or even recharging a program won’t happen overnight. But he’s not concerned with quick fixes. He’s committed to a long-term vision rooted in structure, toughness, and culture.

“We’re going to do things the right way,” he said. “It’s about more than just football. I want these young men to grow into leaders, fathers, husbands — men who understand what it means to be accountable and to serve something bigger than themselves. That’s what this program is going to be about.”

Part of Jones’ approach includes emphasizing academics, something he said was crucial to his own journey. Having been a student-athlete at both USC and Georgia, Jones understands the balancing act required to succeed both on the field and in the classroom. He’s already reached out to local educators and guidance counselors, seeking ways to better integrate academic support into the football schedule.

“We can’t afford to let our kids slip through the cracks,” he said. “Football is a tool — a powerful one — but education is the foundation. I want every player who walks through this locker room to leave here with a plan, with purpose.”

Former coaches and mentors who worked with Jones during his own high school days at Carver remember him as a driven, mature, and focused young man who stood out from his peers not just because of his athletic talent, but because of his mindset.

“He was special,” said Dell McGee, Jones’ former high school coach and now a college coach. “You could see it even back then — not just in the way he played, but in the way he carried himself. He was a leader even when he was 16 or 17. He’s going to do great things as a coach.”

Jones is also expected to be a major draw for college recruiters, who often visit Carver looking for SEC-caliber talent. Having a former All-American and NFL player at the helm will only increase the visibility of Carver athletes. That added spotlight could help elevate the program further and provide opportunities for players to reach the next level — something Jones is passionate about facilitating.

“I’ve been where they want to go,” he said. “And I know what it takes to get there. I’m going to do everything in my power to help them reach their goals, whether it’s playing in the SEC, getting a college degree, or starting a business. Whatever their dream is, we’re going to chase it.”

In an era where many former athletes turn away from the grind of coaching, Jones’ decision to dive headfirst into high school football — particularly at a school with deep personal ties — says everything about his character and priorities. This isn’t a stepping-stone for him. It’s a mission.

“I’ve done the NFL thing. I’ve played in front of 80,000 people. But nothing compares to seeing a kid grow, seeing a young man become something he didn’t even believe he could be,” Jones said. “That’s what drives me now. That’s what I’m here for.”

The fall season is still months away, but excitement is already at a fever pitch. For Carver-Columbus, the return of Jarvis Jones represents more than just a new head coach. It’s a homecoming filled with hope, a reconnection to a proud legacy, and a promise for the future.

As summer workouts begin and the Tigers prepare for what promises to be one of their most closely watched seasons in years, one thing is clear: Carver football is in the hands of a man who knows exactly what the program means — because he lived it. And now, he’s back to lead it forward.