Navy Football Coach Ken Niumatalolo Will Not Return After Army Loss

ANNAPOLIS, MD — One day after a double overtime loss to Army, U.S. Naval Academy officials said head football Ken Niumatalolo will not return for the 2023 season in Annapolis. Niumatalolo has more wins than any football coach in school history.

Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk announced Niumatalolo's departure Sunday. Defensive coordinator Brian Newberry has been named head coach on an interim basis.

Saturday's game in Philadelphia saw the first overtime period in 123 Army-Navy games. The Midshipmen lost a fumble at the goal line in the second overtime and ultimately lost, 20-17, to the West Point team, the Washington Post said.

Army's record is 6-6, while Navy stands at 4-8 this season.

"Our sincerest gratitude to Coach Ken for what has been a distinguished and impactful legacy at the Naval Academy," said Gladchuk in a news release. "Navy football flourished for many years under his leadership. He will forever be remembered for the influence he has had on the lives of those who played for him. We all have great respect and appreciation for his 25 years of service to the Academy."

The school said Niumatalolo, who has been the head coach since 2008, leaves the Naval Academy with a record of 109-83 (.568) and is the coach with the most wins in school history.

U.S. Naval Academy Superintendent Vice Adm. Sean Buck, in a statement, thanked Coach Niumatalolo for his service at the academy and his work developing leaders.

"For 25 years, including 15 as head coach, Coach Ken has made a huge impact on his players and on our mission," Buck said of the outgoing coach. "He has led our football team to many successful seasons, but more importantly, he has developed resilient leaders of character for our Navy and Marine Corps. I thank Coach Niumatalolo for everything he has done for the team, the brigade, and for our institution over the years, and wish him and his family all the best in the future."

In Navy's first-two years in the American Athletic Conference, Niumatalolo led the Mids to a share of an AAC West Division title in 2015 and won the AAC West title outright in 2016. Navy also shared the West Division title in 2019.

The Mids have gone just 11-23 over the last three seasons and have had one winning season over the last five years. Navy is a combined 4-10 against the other two Service Academies over the last seven years.

"The Naval Academy will now move forward with continued high ambitions and embrace a new era of reaffirmed expectations for Navy football and our midshipmen," Gladchuk said.