It isn't that weird. Hilferty had already decided on the team of Torts/Briere (they've been grooming him for years, very corporate, sending him to Wharton, etc.). So that eliminated any President who wanted personnel control or had a different vision for the rebuild.
Jones is respected and well connected around the league, knows and likes Briere and Torts, so you don't have to worry about personality conflicts. I think a lot of what Jones will do is be a back door conduit, another team wants to float a trial balloon, they talk in general terms with Jones, he runs it by Briere, if Briere is interested, Jones arranges a phone call or or meeting. With his contacts in front offices and the media, he'll also keep Briere informed of scuttlebutt around the league.
This allows Briere to focus on the team, from conferring with Torts, working with his analytics group, reviewing his amateur and professional scouts, overseeing summer development programs and the Phantoms. That's a lot on his plate.
