Torrian Jones hired by former ND teammate Martin Ingelsby

Coaching was something that might have been in the future for former Notre Dame swingman Torrian jones.

But not right now. Not as Jones worked the last two years as an academic counselor for his alma mater. He scratched his basketball itch by working as radio color commentator on Irish broadcasts and occasionally serving as mentor/workout partner for members of the men’s basketball team.

Getting into the grind of a college coaching career seemingly could wait. Until it couldn’t.

Offered an opportunity that was too good to ignore – a chance to get into coaching and get into it close to his Philadelphia roots – Jones was named Wednesday an assistant coach at the University of Delaware.

He’ll join the staff of former Irish point guard Martin Ingelsby, hired in May as Blue Hens head coach.

“I am very excited about the addition of Torrian to our basketball staff,” Ingelsby said in a university statement. “His knowledge of the game and his experience working with student-athletes fit perfectly with our philosophy here at Delaware. He will bring a new level of energy to our program and I am confident he will help develop our players both on and off the court.”

Jones and Ingelsby were teammates in 2000-01 when Notre Dame won a Big East West Division regular-season championship and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 11 years. It was coach Mike Brey’s first season in South Bend.

Jones was a four-year member of the Irish from 2000-04. He played in 123 games and averaged 4.6 points. A two-time team captain and 2004 Notre Dame graduate, Jones played professionally in the United States Basketball League and NBA Development League.

“I am very honored and excited for the opportunity to work at a terrific institution such as the University of Delaware,” Jones said in a university release. “I feel that given the location, conference and facilities, it will be a perfect situation to build a program. Also, and maybe most importantly, I truly believe in the staff Martin has put together. Our blend of personalities and experiences will show in the identity of our team and the direction of our program.”

Jones is the second assistant with Notre Dame ties to join Ingelsby’s staff at UD. Former video coordinator Pat Rogers, a 2010 Notre Dame graduate, is the program’s director of basketball operations.