While the Frenchman will remain in charge of team affairs at Edgeley Park until the end of the season, current head coach Jones has already taken over responsibility for recruitment and contract discussions.
Few know the former Welsh skipper better than England lock Schofield who, entering his ninth year, is one of the longest-serving players at Sale.
And he says that by promoting from within, Sale have got the right man to drive through the club's ambitious long-term plans.
"It's all about trust and I've already told Kingsley that he's got my full backing and that I'm excited about the prospect of him taking over," the 29-year-old said.
"Kingsley has coached me for the past four or five years. He was a forward like me so we have developed a really good relationship.
"I can speak to Kingsley about anything. If I'm not happy I can tell him something and that's the way it should be. Kingsley knows his players. He's brought us in and knows the squad like the back of his hand.
Strengths
"And in terms of selection and recruitment, he knows exactly what we need in terms of strengths and weaknesses and I'm sure he's going to do a great job.
"In the short term, we know Philippe has said he's going to be leaving but we've got a lot of work to do before he goes.
"We've still got everything to play for. We've got the Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership to target so nothing has changed from that point of view."
Schofield's encouragement at the appointment of Jones was echoed by one of the newest recruits at Edgeley Park, England star Mathew Tait, who only joined the club in the summer from Newcastle Falcons.
"I think it will be a great appointment," said Tait. "Kingsley has been here a long time and knows the players. He knows what everyone is capable of and I am sure he is perfect for the job.
"Philippe's decision came as a great surprise to all the players. But it is the nature of professional sport that people move on to different challenges."
Sale's immediate focus is on bouncing back from the disappointment of last weekend's Heineken Cup defeat at the hands of Montauban when they resume Guinness Premiership combat away at Bath on Saturday.
The West Country side lie one place above Sale in third and have enjoyed a superb start to the campaign both domestically and in Europe.
But Schofield insists the players are determined to prove that the 16-12 loss on a mudbath pitch in France was nothing more than a temporary blip.
"It was a massive disappointment at Montauban," added Schofield. "The pitch was an absolute nightmare which tended to level things out and it was a one-paced game.
"But before that we had been playing well and in the last three or four weeks we'd put together some good victories.
"So we don't have to change anything and we don't have to panic. We know Bath are a very good team and that they are in form and play good rugby.
"But we're confident about going down there and will be aiming to bring back some points."
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