Head Coach John D. Jones is retiring from coaching after 30 seasons, 22 as a head coach at three schools, and 8 seasons as an assistant. For the last 12 years, Jones served TBC in the dual role of Athletics Director and Head Coach. He will remain as the TBC Athletics Director but in a full-time capacity. Jones will retain the title of head coach emeritus of the men’s basketball program and will continue to provide insight and support.
Current TBC assistant coach Nate DeLeon has been promoted to head coach. DeLeon has served on the men’s basketball coaching staff for the last three seasons.
Jones came to TBC in 2011. Under his leadership, Eagles Basketball had five 20-win seasons, won six NCCAA South region regular season championships, two South Region tournament titles, and the 2023 NIT championship. The program made it to post season national tournaments seven times since 2012. Jones’ record at TBC is 206-135, for a winning percentage of .655, the highest in program history.
Before coming to TBC, Jones was the head coach at NCAA D-2 Nyack College and NAIA Brewton-Parker College for a combined 10 seasons. As an assistant he served with several NAIA programs and a NCAA D-2 school before making it to the D-1 level as an assistant coach at Liberty University and Winthrop University. As a head coach, Jones retires with 357 career wins and multiple Coach of the Year honors.
“Over the past 30 seasons, I have had the opportunity to live out a professional dream as a collegiate men’s basketball coach,” stated Jones. “I have been blessed to work with incredible, gifted young men who allowed our coaches to teach and mentor them, and they brought us unmatched joy. I cannot overstate my gratitude to the players, coaches, and administrators who believed in me and provided this platform to serve.”
“Hanging in my office is a Jim Valvano quote which says, ‘Other people go to the office. I get to coach. I know I’ve been blessed.’ I’ve experienced that feeling every day for three decades. I’m thankful that God granted me the privilege and sacred responsibility to use this great game to mentor young people in basketball and life while helping them grow in the faith and knowledge of Christ.”
“Now, though, it’s time for us to enter a new era of Trinity Baptist Basketball. I am proud and excited to hand over the reins to a member of our basketball family, Nate DeLeon. I am excited to remain a part of TBC and look forward to working with President Mac Heavener, Dr. Jeremiah Stanley, and the rest of the executive leadership team to move Trinity Athletics forward. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!“
DeLeon Promoted to Head Coach
Coach Nate Deleon began his coaching journey in Jacksonville in the Navy Basketball League at NAS Jax in 2004-06. He coached his son Joshua from age 12 to 17 locally until Joshua signed to play for Toccoa Falls College in 2018.
As a player, Coach Deleon was a four-year varsity basketball and baseball player at Manhattan Christian Academy in New York City (1992-1996). He attended the University of Albany from 1996-1997, where he walked onto the baseball team but never actually played.
He has served as an assistant coach at TBC for the past three seasons, progressively taking on more responsibility each year. He was also the head coach for the JV team, leading them to successful winning seasons each year.
“Nate has served as a faithful and loyal member of our staff and has had a great impact on our program,” said Jones. “He is very good at developing strong relationships with the players and has gained important experience as a game coach through leading the JV team. He is a committed family man who sets a great example each day of what Christian manhood looks like. I feel he is ready for this opportunity and will work hard to build the program to even greater heights!”
Coach Deleon expressed his joy at the opportunity to take over a talented program. “I am highly honored and grateful for the opportunity to take the helm and be the next Head Coach of the Men’s Basketball Team,” Deleon stated. “I have learned a lot from and developed a great relationship with Coach Jones and the players. I look forward to the challenge of continuing the outstanding legacy that was laid before me by Coach Jones and the administration. I am thankful to God for providing this blessing and am deeply appreciative of the sacrifice and support from my wife and family. Let’s Go Eagles!“
Coach Deleon has been married to his wife Denise for 23 years. The couple has eight children (Joshua, Sierra, Isabella, Sophia, Giada, Elijah, Silas) and one grandchild (Karmelo).
