Jermaine Jones has been named head coach of the Central Valley Fuego FC. Fuego image

A U.S. Men’s National Team veteran, Jermaine Jones was officially announced Monday as Central Valley Fuego FC’s new head coach.

In July, Fuego FC parted ways with head coach Martín Vásquez after about a year on the job. Sporting Director Adam Smith was appointed as the head coach for the remainder of the season, which wrapped last month with the team ranked last in its USL League One.

“It’s time for a new chapter. Pleased to announce I have accepted the Head Coach position at  [Central Valley Fuego]. I am thankful to US Soccer for allowing me to assist with the Boys program. It is time for me to now take the next step. Looking forward to joining the Fuego family,” Jones said in an Instagram post. 

Jones was born in Germany to an American soldier stationed in West Germany and a German mother. As a child, Jones lived in Chicago and Greenwood, Mississippi, before he returned to Germany with his mother.

Jones played four matches with Germany’s Under 21 team. In 2009, he declared to the media that he would be available to play for the United States. Jones began his career with the U.S.Men’s National Team in 2010, where he made several World Cup appearances, contributing to the team’s journey to the Round of 16 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Belgium. 

In May 2016, Jones joined the 40 players selected for the U.S. 2016 Copa America preliminary roster and was named the Man of the Match following a win against Costa Rica.

He was renowned for his relentless work ethic, defensive prowess and leadership on the field, according to a Fuego news release. He played for top European clubs such as FC Schalke 04, Eintracht Frankfurt, Besiktas, and Blackburn Rovers, including 27-plus appearances in the UEFA Champions League. 

After 14 years of competing across Europe, Jones joined the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer as a designated player. He also spent some of his career playing for the Colorado Rapid, LA Galaxy, Ventura County Fusion and Ontario Fury. 

Jones began his head coaching career with the Real So-Cal U19 academy team in 2018. Most recently, he served as the assistant coach for the USA Boys U19 program. 

This will be Jones’ first appointment as a head coach of a senior team. He holds the prestigious UEFA Pro coaching license, required for anyone who wishes to manage a soccer club in the top tier of any European nation’s league system on a permanent basis.

“We followed a lengthy and rigorous process and arrived at our decision to hire Jermaine, which we feel is the correct one. We look forward to the 2024 season and beyond with great anticipation and are confident in Jermaine’s ability to lead our team to success!” said Juan Gerardo Ruelas Jr., Fuego FC’s managing partner.