UCF[apos]s first head coach, serving originally as a volunteer with the Knights, Don Jonas earned full-time status with UCF in 1980. He put together a 14-12-1 record and an 11-6-1 record in home games.
Jonas resigned after 1981 to become director of the UCF Gridiron Club.
He was a running back at Penn State, and selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1961 NFL Draft. Jonas ultimately played quarterback in the professional ranks, including the Orlando Panthers. As the Winnipeg Blue Bombers[apos] quarterback, won the 1971 Schendley Award, which is presented to the Most Outstanding Player in the CFL.