Travis Jones is returning to the Southeastern Conference.

Jones, a former defensive lineman and assistant coach at Georgia, has resigned his assistant coaching position at Kansas to take a similar job at Louisiana State University, Tigers coach Nick Saban announced Monday.

Jones coached KU’s defensive line in 2001 under former head coach Terry Allen. Jones and Clint Bowen were the only Allen aides retained by new head coach Mark Mangino last winter. Jones coached KU’s defensive ends in 2002.

“Travis is a hard-working young coach and a great person,” Mangino said. “We wish him and his family well.”

Mangino has two opening on his staff. He also needs a tight ends coach. Offensive line coach Ken Conatser resigned two games into last season and was replaced by tight ends coach Brandon Blaney.

Jones, who earned $88,500 last year, will receive a sizable pay raise in Baton Rouge. An LSU spokesman declined to reveal Jones’ new salary but said all Tigers’ assistants receive six-figure incomes.

Jones was a four-year letterman and two-year starter at Georgia. He began his coaching career at Georgia in 1997 and spent one year at his alma mater as defensive line coach.

He then spent three years at Division I-AA Appalachian State as linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator before coming to Lawrence before the 2001 season.

“We’re excited to have Travis join our staff,” Saban said. “He’s proven to be an outstanding coach as well as a tremendous recruiter.

“Having played and coached in the SEC, Travis knows what it takes to be successful in this league and I think he’s going to be a great addition to an already very talented coaching staff.”