John Jones

John Jones (born February 6, 1952) is an American former football executive who briefly served as president of the Green Bay Packers. Jones, who was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, attended Loyola University of the South for his undergraduate studies and the University of Wisconsin–Madison for his post-graduate studies, both in the field of journalism. For 11 years, he served as a teacher of journalism at Loyola and as a journalist for New Orleans Times-Picayune. During his career as a journalist, Jones covered the National Football League and the New Orleans Saints. He transitioned from his journalism career to an executive of American football, first with the NFL Management Council and then with two NFL teams: the Jacksonville Jaguars and then the Packers.

During his tenure with the Packers, he was identified by then-team president Bob Harlan as his chosen successor. In 2006, Jones was promoted from vice president and chief operating officer (COO) to president and COO, with Harlan retaining ultimate executive power over the Packers organization as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for another year until Harlan's planned retirement in May 2007. During this transition period, Jones experienced health complications and complaints about his leadership style. Shortly before the planned hand over to Jones, the Packers put him on an indefinite leave of absence and then ultimately severed ties with him. The Packers presidency officially remained vacant, with Harlan staying on as CEO, until the Packers elected Mark Murphy as the team's 11th president at the end of 2007.

Early life and college John Jones was born on February 6, 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended Loyola University of the South, where he received his undergraduate degree in journalism in 1973. He then moved to Wisconsin to attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison to complete his master's degree in journalism.

Professional career

Teacher and journalist At the conclusion of his master's degree, Jones was hired as the editor of the Ray Nitschke's Packer Report, a newspaper dedicated to coverage of the Green Bay Packers and named after Ray Nitschke, a former Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for the Packers. Jones served in this position for two years until he took a position in 1976 as an instructor of journalism at his alma mater, Loyola. In 1978, he began working for the New Orleans Times-Picayune as a journalist. For the next 9 years, Jones became an award-winning journalist, recognized by the Louisiana Sports Writers' Association for his writing and editing. During his time at the newspaper, he covered the National Football League (NFL) and the New Orleans Saints in depth.

Jacksonville Jaguars In between his two stints with the NFL Management Council, Jones was hired by the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were a newly formed expansion team. He served as their executive director of administration from 1994 to 1996.

Green Bay Packers Packers president Bob Harlan hired Jones as the team's senior vice president of administration in 1999. He served in that role until 2001, when he was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer (COO). Harlan had been grooming Jones to succeed him as president and CEO. The goal was to provide Jones a transition period to continue to assume additional responsibilities before taking over completely. In July 2007, the Packers announced Jones' departure from the organization and that Harlan would continue leading the organization as CEO with the presidency remaining vacant until a replacement was selected. The Packers ultimately reached a financial agreement with Jones that led to his formal resignation from the team. Although his health and recent heart operation were noted as the official reasons for leaving the team, numerous articles reported on Jones' management style as a major contributor to his resignation.

During his time with the Packers, Jones worked in almost every area of the organization with a focus on financial management, facilities and other non-football team operations. Harlan and Jones advocated strongly across the state for the passing of the referendum necessary to authorize the tax, noting the necessity of the redevelopment of Lambeau Field for the long-term financial stability of the Packers. After the tax was authorized, Jones worked to secure additional funding sources, including securing a loan from the NFL. Jones' hobbies include long-distance running, cycling, reading and watching movies. He has been active in the Green Bay and Milwaukee communities, serving on various boards of directors for local organizations and businesses.