LORMAN — After 12 hours of deliberation in a due process hearing, Ernest Jones still does not know whether he is the football coach at Alcorn State University.

Asked when he would find out his status at the university, the embattled coach said, “I don’t know that answer either.”

The coach and his lawyers met with Athletic Director Darren Hamilton and attorneys for Alcorn State Friday, along with witnesses for both sides in a due process hearing to determine whether Jones could be fired from the university for cause.

If Jones is fired for cause, he does not get paid the final three years of his four-year contract.

“In regards to the results of the proceedings, I don’t want to make any comments on that,” Jones said when the meeting broke at 9:15 p.m. His lawyers did not comment.

Hamilton left the meeting without commenting and did not answer calls to his cell phone.

Jones received a letter Dec. 8 stating the university’s intent to terminate his contract. The letter was signed by Hamilton and was received days after Jones filed a $3 million lawsuit with the Hinds County Chancery Court, alleging that the university — including Hamilton and President George Ross — did not fulfill contractual agreements.

It also attempted to block the firing of seven assistant football coaches who were fired without Jones’ knowledge or consent.

The assistant coaches received letters at their offices the night before Thanksgiving Day stating that their one-year contracts would not be renewed.

Ross reinstated the assistants in a Dec. 8 meeting, the same day Jones received his notice.

Jones has continued to recruit during the turmoil and said he was hosting a camp for 25 recruits at the university this weekend.

When asked if he still wanted to be the Braves’ head coach, Jones had a simple answer.

“Yes I do, without a doubt.”