CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The University of Virginia has made two-year Deputy Athletics Director for External Operations, Tyler Jones, the General Manager for football and women’s basketball. Virginia Athletics is following the lead of other University athletics administrations in creating such a position to manage NIL, portal, payroll, and other operations that have become necessary especially within the revenue sports at such institutions. In promoting Jones, UVA Athletics Director Carla Williams said, “Tyler has done an outstanding job navigating this changing landscape while managing our front office efforts over the last year. We’re prioritizing a sensible structure that honors our efforts to be as fiscally responsible as possible while giving us the best chance to compete for championships.”

A Virginia Athletics release continues that in addition to making Jones the GM, Williams has chosen Justin Speros as Assistant General Manager for Football. Speros, who joined the UVA football program in 2021, has managed the evaluation process for high school student-athletes and prospective players in the transfer portal while working with the staff’s senior and regional scouts.

In addition to the elevation of Jones and Speros, Williams also announced Scott Pioli will continue in his consulting role for the department, bringing nearly 40 years of experience at the collegiate and professional football levels. Pioli is a five-time NFL Executive of the Year honoree and three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots. Pioli will have an enhanced role within the department and will serve as Executive Consultant – Front Office & Operations.

UVA Athletics explains ss general manager for football and women’s basketball, Jones works closely with each head coach on key responsibilities including roster construction, talent evaluation, student-athlete negotiations, resource allocation, navigating the transfer portal and the market, and managing the budget.

As UVA’s CAP Manager for football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball, Jones will develop and manage the roster budget (the CAP) and all funding components, including scholarships, revenue sharing and other student-athlete benefits. He will help manage CAP compliance and work directly with the Cav Futures marketing agency and UVA’s other strategic NIL partners to help student-athletes drive their value in the marketplace.

“I am grateful to Dr. Williams for the opportunity to serve in this new role,” Jones said. “It’s an honor to collaborate with the exceptional coaches and staff at the University of Virginia, and I look forward to working with them in building competitive rosters across multiple athletic programs.”

Jones came to the University of Virginia two years ago this month after spending two years as Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Revenue Generation and Strategic Initiatives at Northwestern University. He will continue to serve in this capacity. According to his job description at UVA, “Jones provides strategic leadership of various external units including ticket sales and operations, marketing and fan engagement, athletic communications, creative services, video services and  broadcast and event productions. He serves as primary day-to-day contact for the department’s multimedia rights holder, Virginia Sports Properties and serves on the University Licensing Committee. Jones is the sport administrator for the Cavalier football program and men’s and women’s tennis programs.”

Click here for the Virginia Athletics release for full information.
Click here for Jones’ full Virginia Athletics biography.