 | At a news conference in Oshawa this morning, owner Rocco Tullio introduced Spitfires Associate Coach Bob Jones as the new head coach of the Oshawa Generals.
Jones replaces another former Spitfires coach, DJ Smith, who was hired as an assistant coach
with the Toronto Maple Leafs last week. | | Windsor - June 24, 2015 - At a news conference in Oshawa this morning, owner Rocco Tullio introduced Spitfires Associate Coach Bob Jones as the new head coach of the Oshawa Generals.
Jones replaces another former Spitfires coach, DJ Smith, who was hired as an assistant coach
with the Toronto Maple Leafs last week.
Jones, 45, spent eight years behind the bench in Windsor; seven as associate coach along with
one season, 2010-11, as the club's head coach.
"Bob has tremendous experience in this league and he'll be an excellent head coach in Oshawa,"
General Manager Warren Rychel said. "I wish him all the best with his new endeavour."
Spitfires President and Head Coach Bob Boughner, whose relationship with Jones spans back
to 1988, when both played for the Soo Greyhounds, says it's hard to see his friend moving on.
"I've known Bob a long time," Boughner said. "Since we were teenagers. When our own careers
were done, we won a couple Memorial Cups together as coaches. I'm happy for he and his
family. He's getting to pursue his dream of a head coaching job. He deserves it. But he will
definitely be missed."
Jones agrees the move is bittersweet.
"My kids and family have made a home here in Windsor," Jones said. "We've established a lot of
relationships. It's always hard to leave."
Jones says the quality of the Oshawa franchise was the biggest factor in his decision.
"After being in the league for 20 seasons, you get to know teams and the people well," Jones
said. "Since Rocco bought Generals, he's established it as a premier franchise in the OHL. With
DJ going there and winning a Memorial Cup, it's put them at the top of the heap."
In addition to his eight seasons behind the bench in Windsor, Jones coached the Sault Ste
Marie Greyhounds (1995-99), Brampton Battalion (1999-2000), Toronto St Michael's Majors
(2000-2004) and Sudbury Wolves (2004-2007).
Everyone with the Spitfires organization wishes Jonesy all the best in Oshawa.
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