HAMILTON — Chris Jones spent the past six seasons helping build one of the most consistent small-college programs in the region.
Now, he’s been tasked with keeping it that way.
Miami University Hamilton promoted Jones to head men’s basketball coach, elevating a longtime assistant who played a key role in the Harriers’ recent run of success in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association.
Jones replaces Mike Piatt, who left the program to become the head boys basketball coach at Celina High School. Piatt praised the hire, pointing to Jones’ influence behind the scenes during the program’s rise.
“Chris has been a huge part of everything we’ve built here,” Piatt said. “We don’t have the success we’ve had without him. He understands our culture, he connects with our players, and he’s more than ready to lead this program.”
Jones said the transition is expected to be seamless.
“It’s not going to be a lot of transition because I’ve been there,” Jones said. “We’re going to continue to play the way we play because it’s very successful. There’s no need to change much.”
That continuity was central to the decision, according to Miami Regionals athletic director Chris Settle.
“Coach Jones allows us to maintain consistency in the program,” Settle said. “He’s been part of all the successes we’ve had over the past few years, including the first national championship in Miami University history. He was an obvious choice.”
Miami Hamilton has made six USCAA Tournament appearances in the past five seasons, highlighted by a national championship in 2024-25 and a runner-up finish in 2025-26. The Harriers have also reached two Elite Eights during that span while compiling a 95-48 record.
Settle said Jones’ familiarity with the program, combined with prior head coaching experience, made him a natural fit.
“He knows the ins and outs of small college basketball and relishes both the challenges and opportunities,” Settle said. “With outstanding returning players and a strong recruiting class, there’s a lot to be excited about.”
Jones’ path to the position has been anything but conventional.
A Cleveland native, he played at John Hay High School before continuing at Thiel College. After leaving college, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Würzburg, Germany, where he also played professionally.
Following his military service, Jones returned to Cleveland and worked with longtime trainer Bob Nance, helping develop players through the Bob Nance Basketball Academy. His journey later took him away from the game, including time working in the culinary field after earning a degree from the Pennsylvania Institute of Culinary Arts.
Basketball eventually pulled him back in.
Jones began his coaching career at Wright State University’s Lake Campus, first as an assistant and later as head coach. After the program was discontinued during the COVID-19 pandemic, he connected with Piatt and joined Miami Hamilton as a volunteer assistant — a move that helped launch the program’s current run.
Over the past six seasons, Jones has been part of teams that reached two national championship games and captured one title.
“We get guys that play the way we like to play,” Jones said. “They don’t have to be the most talented players, but if they play our way, we’re going to teach them and we’re going to win basketball games.”
That identity, Jones said, won’t change.
As Miami Hamilton prepares for the 2026-27 season, Jones emphasized that the foundation already in place — from returning players to incoming recruits — positions the Harriers to remain among the USCAA’s top programs.
“Why make changes to something that’s working so well?” Jones said.
“But for me, it’s been a long journey. And it’s well worth it.”
