Longtime Navy Midshipmen head coach Ken Niumatalolo has spent a total of 25 years with the United States Naval Academy as a player, an assistant coach, and the team’s head coach since 2007. But in a shocking turn of events, it seems that his time with the program is over.
According to Kareem Copeland of The Washington Post, Navy announced on Sunday that Ken Niumatalolo will not return to the team next season.
Whoa. Navy just announced HC Ken Niumatalolo will not return for 2023. DC Brian Newberry named interim HC. pic.twitter.com/s2eHwWS1Kf
— Kareem Copeland (@kareemcopeland) December 11, 2022
“Our sincerest gratitude to Coach Ken for what has been a distinguished and impactful legacy at the Naval Academy,” Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk said in a quote shared by Copeland. “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.”
It’s massive news in college football for one of the longest-running head coaches in the nation, and the college football world had plenty to say about it on Twitter.
After 15 years as head coach, a change at Navy: https://t.co/vejindqQUs
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) December 11, 2022
WHOA. Navy has released Ken Niumatalolo. https://t.co/cyAyuqKIJ2
— 🇰🇮 Sickos Committee 🇰🇮 (@SickosCommittee) December 11, 2022
Coach Niumatalolo spoke nothing but love for his players yesterday. I hope that kind of messaging continues on because it’s so rare today and really appreciated by the players https://t.co/zHy1wfqvAX
— Kat Fominykh (@katfominykh) December 11, 2022
.@38Godfrey has previewed this for a few weeks now on @SplitZoneDuo Patreon shows. They weren't going to bounce him during the season. Too much respect for the guy. https://t.co/XQejBKQB6G
— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) December 11, 2022
The move comes just one day after Navy lost its annual rivalry showdown against the Army Black Knights due to a blocked kick in overtime.
