<p>Finals start today ...Good luck to to our Mids!</p>
<p>Yep all over the news here and got text message from my Mid and the Brigade knows.</p>
<p>Got the text too.</p>
<p>Bummer.</p>
<p>Well, as I "told ya so" in my #6 post on this thread, I feared this one would take him for all those reasons. Now, lemme post another "told ya so" for 5 years down the road ...</p>
<p>I really think with 2 exceptions, this is a BIG mistake for our favorite PJ.</p>
<p>First the "good news." </p>
<ol>
<li><p>He's goin home, or at least closer. That's always a good feeling ... at least for awhile, until ya git thru the first round of "welcome back, Jack."</p></li>
<li><p>His financial future is now overtly secure. Will never have to worry about where his kids wanna go to school.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>The less than good news is ...</p>
<ol>
<li><p>GT will be, even for PJ one very tuff place to win consistently. It's a different version of Wake Forest, except the academics are even tougher 'cause there's no place to hide a bunch of mediocre students and he'll need a peck of them to compete against the FSUs, VA Techs, BCs.</p></li>
<li><p>If he does close to what he's done at Navy, he'll be deemed the master of mediocrity. He cannot get away with what he did at USNA in the ACC for long. </p></li>
<li><p>It's a good way to the beach and the Bay.</p></li>
<li><p>See # 4.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>That said, I hope my pigskinny prognosticatin is pure porkslop. He's a great coach, better man, and he's done a masterful job for one of the greatest institutions on the planet. How can one do anything but mourn his going and celebrate his presence for the past 6 seasons.</p>
<p>Now ... to the important thing ...</p>
<p>WHO's NEXT in line for heroic duty as USNA coach????</p>
<p>Navy Football Coach Heading to Ga. Tech</p>
<p>By BRIAN WITTE *</p>
<p>ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Navy football coach Paul Johnson is headed to Georgia Tech after turning around a struggling program in six years at the military academy.</p>
<p>Johnson informed the team at an 11:45 a.m. meeting at Ricketts Hall, where the football offices are located, said Scott Strasemeier, Navy's associate athletic director for sports information.</p>
<p>Georgia Tech has scheduled a news conference for Friday at 5:30 p.m. EST, when athletic director Dan Radakovich will announce a new head coach.</p>
<p>Johnson, a former Georgia Southern coach, also negotiated with Southern Methodist and Duke this week.</p>
<p>He will replace Chan Gailey, who was fired one day after a 7-5 regular season ended with his sixth straight loss to Georgia. Gailey had four years left on his contract at $1 million per season.</p>
<p>The Midshipmen had a miserable 1-20 record in the two seasons before Johnson took over. He had a 2-10 record in his first season, but turned things around quickly. He led the Midshipmen to five straight bowl games, a school record. Navy will play Utah in the Poinsettia Bowl on Dec. 20 in San Diego.</p>
<p>Johnson was 45-29 at Navy. He was also successful against the other service academies. He got his sixth straight win against rival Army last week, an unprecedented streak.</p>
<p>Earlier this season, Navy beat Notre Dame for the first time in 44 years, winning 46-44 in three overtimes.</p>
<p>Navy has been known for its rushing attack under Johnson, breaking school records for rushing yards per game.</p>
<p>Johnson came to Navy from Georgia Southern, where he lead the Eagles to two national championships. Overall, Johnson is 107-39 in 11 seasons.</p>
<p>Defensive coach Jon Tenuta was selected interim head coach for Tech's Humanitarian Bowl game against Fresno State on Dec. 31. Tenuta's status is expected to be addressed at the news conference Friday.</p>
<p>(This version CORRECTS SUBS 7th graf to correct Johnson's record at Navy)</p>
<p>Navy</a> Football Coach Heading to Ga. Tech -- baltimoresun.com</p>
<p>
[quote]
New Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson is accustomed to winning the big rivalry games, something the Yellow Jackets haven't done in a while. </p>
<p>The former Navy coach, unbeaten in six games against Army, was hired Friday to replace Chan Gailey, who had six consecutive winning seasons at Georgia Tech but was 0-6 against Georgia. </p>
<p>Johnson, the former Georgia Southern coach, does not need an introduction to the Georgia Tech-Georgia rivalry or the role it will play in his success....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Navy's</a> Johnson says 'yes' to Georgia Tech - Examiner.com</p>
<p>
[quote]
Navy football coach Paul Johnson is leaving the Naval Academy and heading to Georgia Tech. Johnson apparently came to his decision overnight and met with his players at 11:45 a.m. to tell them of his decision. Johnson chose Georgia Tech after weighing similar offers from Duke, Southern Methodist University along with the possibility of staying at Navy. </p>
<p>I think Georgia Tech is a tremendous program and it's where you can contend for a national championship," Johnson said. "I've had a great run at Navy, but I've always wanted to coach at a BCS school where you can play for a national championship. It was a very hard decision, but I think at this time it was the right thing for me to do."...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Navy</a> coach takes job at Ga. Tech - Navy Sports - (HometownAnnapolis.com)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Naval Academy head football coach Paul Johnson confirmed this morning that he has accepted the same position at Georgia Tech.</p>
<p>Johnson told The Capital of his decision to end his tenture at Navy after meeting with his team this morning at Ricketts Hall.</p>
<p>Johnson met with athletic director Chet Gladchuk this morning to inform him of his decision and then met with his team....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Interview</a> with Paul Johnson on his decision - Navy Sports - (HometownAnnapolis.com)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Naval Academy football coach Paul Johnson announced to his players during a team meeting this morning that he had accepted the same position at Georgia Tech. Johnson made the announcement in the Bellino Auditorium of Ricketts Hall. Bill Wagner, Navy football beat writer for The Capital, interviewed Johnson immediately after he left the meeting and headed for his car. Here is a complete transcript of the interview....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Naval Academy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk's reaction to Johnson at Ga. Tech (Annapolis Capital)</p>
<p>
[quote]
Naval Academy athletic director Chet Gladchuk addressed the football players immediately after head coach Paul Johnson informed them he was leaving for Georgia Tech. Bill Wagner, Navy beat writer for The Capital, interviewed Gladchuk in his office a few minutes later. Here is the complete transcript of that interview:...
[/quote]
</p>
<p>WHISTLEPIG.. How are things in PA? and hows your Plebe after one semester down?</p>
<p>Hey there! Well, you've got a piece of the Yard in yours now, I guess! Hope he's a huge success with the Ramblin Wreck! I'm not at all optimistic about this, and sadly, as Chan the Man learned, 7-5 seasons in Hotlanta get one fired, specially when it ends the way they did.</p>
<p>Cold, snowy. 6 deg F. yesterday a.m., new record low, 4 inches of the white stuff. Speaking of which Little Piggy's roomie saw it for the first time in his life this week. Mine thought that was really hilarious. He's like the proverbial hog in slop so far. Ask after finals. Going in, things are great. How 'bout you and our girl? How's her gam?</p>
<p>By
Bill Wagner</p>
<p>Well, the day every Navy football fan has dreaded has arrived. Paul Johnson has resigned as head coach in order to accept the same position at Georgia Tech.</p>
<p>While it hurts to see Johnson leave, I think some perspective is in order. Navy fans should be thankful that Johnson spent six seasons in Annapolis and transformed the football program from one of the worst in Division I-A to a model of excellence and certainly the dominant one among service academies. The Capital received word through several sources that Johnson's decision was imminent and that something could happen early this morning. Sure enough, word soon came that Johnson had gone into see athletic director Chet Gladchuk.</p>
<p>When Johnson emerged, he was no longer the Navy head coach. The Capital called Johnson around 10:15 a.m. and the head coach said he still had not made up his mind for sure, but did confirm that a team meeting had been called for 11:45.</p>
<p>"It's not over yet. I still haven't signed anything. I'll make a decision before that meeting," Johnson said.</p>
<p>Johnson apparently made his final decision about a half hour later as he did indeed sign the contract from Georgia Tech and faxed it to athletic director Dan Radakovich.</p>
<p>This reporter hustled over to Ricketts Hall in time for the team meeting. I caught Johnson outside of Ricketts Hall just before he went into the Bellino Auditorium to speak with the players and he confirmed that indeed it was now a done deal.</p>
<p>The Capital conducted an interview with Johnson immediately after he emerged from the meeting. A transcript of that interview is now posted at:</p>
<p>Interview</a> with Paul Johnson on his decision - Navy Sports - (HometownAnnapolis.com)</p>
<p>In closing, I will say that Paul Johnson is a true professional. He handled this announcement with as much dignity and class as was possible.</p>
<p>Johnson kept all the promises he made to his players, his athletic director and to this reporter with regard to how he would proceed if he decided to leave Navy.</p>
<p>Johnson told athletic director Chet Gladchuk first and his players second. Johnson made sure his players did not read of his departure on the internet or hear it somewhere else.</p>
<p>I'm sad for the Naval Academy today, but I congratulate Georgia Tech. The Yellow Jackets have landed a great coach and a great person.</p>
<p>Hey WP</p>
<p>PJ obviously thinks GT sports are better then you perceive!</p>
<p>
[quote]
JOHNSON: I think if you’re going to be in this profession and doing anything… a goal of mine is to try and win a national championship. I’ve had a zillion opportunities to leave here, but I didn’t want to go somewhere where I didn’t think you had a chance to play for championships. I think at this program (Georgia Tech) you do.
[/quote]
Just had to give you a hard time;)</p>
<p>I guest for us Georgia folks bummer for Navy but great for GT and us GT fans too. My mid who is also a GT fan can still follow JP!</p>
<p>Hey, as you know, I often merit that. In this case, to be honest, as I noted in my 1st post on this ... #6, GT was the only place that really made sense of the 3 and even more. (Nebraska mighta been another, WFU an outside shot, altho that's justmore Navy, imo. NO chance to win a championship there. And I hope I'm all wet for PJs sake ... but I think he's puffing smoke on this. I'll go on record ... Georgia Tech has zero shot, virtually not literally, at a national championship in football. </p>
<p>Why? One simple reason ... Every kid graduating from that stellar Institute (and it is that, not a university ... subtle but critical issue to my argument) gets a BS degree. To my knowledge there are no BA programs. As such, that means science and math, essentially. </p>
<p>And ... I cannot imagine the faculty in the psych, history, or literature programs at a place like that are inclined to be giving 40 to 50 "passes" annually to mediocre academic performance, and thus becoming so clearly identified as the home to all football players. And just to win that conference, even with its great universities,let alone a national championship, that will be essential. All one need do is look at the basketball program ... always decent, occasionally when they land that Price or other stud or 3 who can manage to stay in school more than a semester, they compete. They NEVER win ... under Bobby Cremins or anyone else. And as Wake Forest has shown ... you CAN win the BIG SHOW in golf, hoops, women's sports, but NEVER in football. </p>
<p>PJ is no dummy. He knows all this ad nauseum. I'm confident this is a 5 year interim step to becoming coach at ... PENN STATE or MICHIGAN! No, forget PSU ... JoePA will only be 86 in five years. :eek: </p>
<p>I think this was PJs first PR shot fired on behalf of his new employer. Don't you? This was ... stepping stone ... family ... BIG payday ... and more recognition that Singleton and Campbell will all too soon be in the fleet and there is absolutely nothing more that could be achieved at our beloved USNA. And there is a WHOLE LOT LESS that might and will happen over time. That's what this one is. But of course he could not and never would say anything like that, even in his most candid moments. Heck, he's halfway home to getting a commission.</p>
<p>Bon voyage, PJ. And my last note for now on this? GO NAVY!! BEAT Georgia TECH!! </p>
<p>Anyone wanna bet on when USNA will show up on that schedule? When the ocean wears rubber pants to keep its bottom dry ... but wouldn't it be fun? Good luck PJ. You've fulfilled your challenging billet in great fashion! I'm a GT fan for sure, now. As long as I don't have to drive there from Cartersville or Buckhead or Alpharetta or Stone Mtn. or Peachtree City ... in rush hour(s).</p>
<p>
[quote]
I'll go on record ... Georgia Tech has zero shot, virtually not literally, at a national championship in football
[/quote]
They said that in 1990 too!</p>
<p>Rush hour is not that bad - just have to have a thick skin and a sense of humor....</p>
<p>An info on who Navy will go after? Who are we dreaming for?</p>
<p>NavySports.com</a> - Official Athletic Site for Navy Athletics</p>
<p>Coach Ken Niumatalolo has been named head coach</p>
<p>Coach Beat Army, Led Mids to 5 Straight BowlsCoach Beat Army, Led Mids to 5 Straight Bowls</p>
<p>
[quote]
Navy football Coach Paul Johnson will leave the academy to take over the program at Georgia Tech, ending his six-year tenure that included unprecedented success. </p>
<p>"It's a very tough decision to leave Navy, it's a very special place," Johnson said. "But I felt like it was a great opportunity at Georgia Tech at this point in my career. . . . If I was going to do this, this was the time." </p>
<p>Johnson met with Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk on Wednesday to discuss serious interest from Georgia Tech, Southern Methodist and Duke. Late Wednesday afternoon, Gladchuk said Johnson was "doing some serious thinking" about his future....
[/quote]
</p>
<p>For: Immediate Release
Sent: December 8, 2007
Contact: Scott Strasemeier (410) 293-8775</p>
<p>ANNAPOLIS, Md.-Longtime Navy assistant head coach Ken Niumatalolo has been promoted to head football coach at the Naval Academy it was announced Saturday by Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk. Niumatalolo, age 42, is the 38th head football coach in Naval Academy history and is believed to be the first Polynesian head coach in NCAA history. </p>
<p>"I have observed our program over the past six years and I attribute a large part of our success to the invaluable role Ken has played as the assistant head coach," said Gladchuk. "A consummate professional and unquestioned role model for our players, he has led on many fronts with impeccable loyalty and character. Ken brings us quality continuity with the highest level of expertise in the triple option. Our staff is extremely excited about the promotion and are anxious to support our new head coach in a manner that will continue to reinforce our "Expect to Win" attitude at Navy." </p>
<p>"It's an honor and a privilege to be named head football coach at the Naval Academy," said Niumatalolo. "I would like to thank Adm. Fowler and Mr. Gladchuk for supporting me and I am excited about the future of the Navy football program. I am in the process of putting together a coaching staff that will give us a every opportunity to continue the winning tradition at the Naval Academy." </p>
<p>Niumatalolo has had two coaching stints at the Naval Academy for a combined 10 seasons, including the last six where he has served as assistant head coach and offensive line coach. </p>
<p>Niumatalolo has been an integral part of a staff that has brought the Midshipmen back into the national spotlight with a 43-19 (.689) record over the last five years and has helped lead Navy to a school-record five-straight bowl games and five-consecutive Commander-In-Chief's Trophies. </p>
<p>Niumatalolo's work with the offense has helped the Mids lead the nation in rushing in four of the last five years, including each of the past three seasons, a first in NCAA history. Navy is averaging a school-record 351.5 yards per game on the ground entering the Mids Dec. 20 Poinsettia Bowl game against Utah. </p>
<p>In 2006, Navy averaged a then school-record 327.0 yards per contest. One of Niumatalolo's pupils, Antron Harper, was named to the ESPN.Com All-Bowl Team for the second-straight year as the Mids played in the Meineke Car Care Bowl against Boston College. </p>
<p>In 2005, Niumatalolo helped develop an offensive line that, despite having just one returning starter, paved the way for the nation's best rushing offense (318.7 yards per contest) as Navy went to a bowl game for a third-straight year, won a second-straight bowl game and won the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. </p>
<p>In 2004, Niumatalolo's efforts helped an offensive line that was hampered by injuries all year to perform well enough for the Midshipmen to finish third in the country in rushing (289.5), win a school-record tying 10 games (the most wins since 1905), go to back-to-back bowl games for the second time in school history, win the Emerald Bowl and win the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy. </p>
<p>Navy's offensive line was instrumental in the NCAA-record 26-play, 94-yard, 14:26 epic drive in the 2004 Emerald Bowl. Offensive guard August Roitsch was named to the Sports Illustrated All-Bowl Team, while the entire starting offensive line was selected to the College Football News All-Bowl Team. </p>
<p>In 2003, despite a lack of experience up front, the Mids led the nation in rushing (323.2 yards per contest) and set seven school records as Navy went 8-5, won the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy and earned a berth in the Houston Bowl. </p>
<p>In 2002, the Navy offensive line helped the Mids to the third-best rushing average in the country (270.75). </p>
<p>Niumatalolo was also an assistant at Navy from 1995-98, serving as the offensive coordinator in 1997 and 1998. </p>
<p>As the offensive coordinator, Niumatalolo tutored Chris McCoy, who set the then-NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in a season with 20 in 1997 and became just the 10th player in NCAA history to rush for more than 1,000 yards and pass for more than 1,000 yards in the same season. In addition, Navy finished among the nation's top five in rushing his last-two years and broke 38 school offensive records during his tenure. </p>
<p>Niumatalolo coached at UNLV for three seasons (1999-01) where he coordinated the option game for the Rebels and called the plays. He also worked with the kickoff return unit and under his guidance, UNLV ranked sixth in the nation in kickoff returns in 2001 and finished second in 1999. </p>
<p>A 1989 graduate of Hawai'i, Niumatalolo lettered three years as a quarterback and led the Rainbows to their first postseason bowl appearance in 1989. He was hired as a full-time assistant by his alma mater in 1992 and spent three seasons coaching on the offensive side of the ball. </p>
<p>A native of Laie', Hawai'i, Niumatalolo and his wife, Barbara, have three children, Alexcia (17), who attends Maryland and is a freshman on the women's lacrosse team, Va'a (14) and Ali'i (8).</p>
<p>A Closer Look At Ken Niumatalolo</p>
<p>Coaching Background</p>
<p>Graduate Assistant
'90-92-Hawai'i </p>
<p>Assistant Coach
'92-94-Hawai'i
'95-96-Navy</p>
<p>Offensive Coordinator
'97-98-Navy</p>
<p>Assistant Coach
'99-01-UNLV</p>
<p>Assistant Head Coach
'02-Present-Navy</p>
<p>Birthdate
May 8, 1965</p>
<p>Education
Hawai'i, B.S., '89</p>