McKinna has been searching for a new head coach following Scott Miller's exit at the start of the month. Jones, a local product who played in the NSL for Newcastle and has previously served as an assistant coach with the Jets, has been widely tipped for the role.

Jones is currently Adelaide United's W-League and National Youth League coach after a stint in Malaysia. McKinna told FourFourTwo he has yet to decide.

"He's not got the job yet," McKinna said.

"We're pretty close [to making a decision]. There's a shortlist, I've got some phone calls to make this afternoon and tonight. We need to get a coach in as quick as possible. [But] nothing's going to be rushed, if it's not going to be tomorrow than hopefully next week sometime.

McKinna declined to reveal who else was on the shortlist.

"They're all employed, so I can't say," he said.

"We've had a lot of interest but what we need to do is what's best for Newcastle now. Hopefully over the new few days we can announce it. We're looking at someone who understands the A-League, understands what we need to put in the town.

"Basically someone who can go to work straight away because we don't want any excuses that it's not my squad. The person who comes in here thinks he can get the team into the top six. No excuses saying it's not my team."

McKinna said the morale of the Jets squad had been good despite Miller's sudden departure.

"We went to Ballarat last week and played an under-strength Melbourne City but still had to beat them and beat them 4-1," he said.

"So the professionalism of the boys has been outstanding. Clayton Zane's come in and done a great job, very level-headed. He's focused the boys on what they've got to do, which is play football.

"Coach's come and go, it was just unfortunate and something the club never wanted to happen at this time of the season, with such a great pre-season we've had."