Oklahoma State football assistant leaves for Ole Miss

An OSU source confirmed Jones’ departure, which was first reported by KFOR’s Bob Barry Jr.

The move leaves the Cowboys shorthanded less than a week before spring practice begins. Cornerback is projected to be one of the premium position battles, with sophomores Kevin Peterson and Ashton Lampkin bidding to replace Brodrick Brown opposite returning starter Justin Gilbert.

Jones’ departure means OSU will have four new assistant coaches in 2013.

Mike Yurcich was hired as offensive coordinator to replace Todd Monken, who took the head coaching job at Southern Miss. Jason Ray replaced receivers coach Doug Meacham, who left to become Houston’s offensive coordinator. Joe Bob Clements was hired as the defensive line coach, which helped fill the void left by former defensive coordinator Bill Young, who was not retained after the 2012 season. Additionally, Glenn Spencer was promoted from co-defensive coordinator to defensive coordinator.

Jones is the fifth assistant during the Mike Gundy era to leave for another position coaching job, joining Gunter Brewer, Curtis Luper, Trooper Taylor and Robert Gillespie. Seven former Gundy assistants have left for promotions, including four who were hired as head coaches.