After numerous stints as the Tigers bullpen coach, most recently 2007–2011, Jones was moved to the position of pitching coach on July 3, 2011. This followed the firing of pitching coach Rick Knapp, after a six-game stretch where Tiger pitchers gave up a combined 54 runs against the New York Mets and San Francisco Giants. Jones' contract expired at the end of the 2011 season, but the Tigers chose to tender a new contract to bring him back for 2012 and beyond.