Niumatalolo named new head coach at Navy

Colleges and Universities A-Z Naval Academy - Annapolis
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<p>Niumatalolo named new head coach at Navy
Updated: December 8, 2007, 9:02 PM ET</p>

<p>ESPN</a> - Niumatalolo named new head coach at Navy - College Football</p>

<p>ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk already had a new coach in mind when Paul Johnson left for Georgia Tech on Friday after six successful seasons.</p>

<p>Assistant Ken Niumatalolo was promoted to the head coaching job Saturday.</p>

<p>Ken Niumatalolo has had two coaching stints at Navy for a total of 10 seasons, including the last six, when he was assistant head coach and offensive line coach.</p>

<p>"After the Army-Navy game, I kind of tapped him on the shoulder and said, 'Hey Kenny, if anything comes about I want to talk to you,'" Gladchuk said.</p>

<p>The decision was easy, given that Gladchuk wanted a coach who would continue Johnson's potent triple-option offense.</p>

<p>"Fundamentally, at Navy it's going to be the triple option," Gladchuk said. "It's an offense that has been really successful for us and given us that edge, that dimension. If you look at who's out there that can run the triple option, I consider Kenny one of the masters."</p>

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<p>I'll tell you, PJ is great, but the real genius here just may be Gladchuk. The note in this story about perpetuating the option offense reveals that he recognizes its potential, especially with the limitations and demands of the USNA environment. Here's to his selection and his wisdom.</p>

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<p>I agree WP. Chet Gladchuk's move also will hopefully keep PJ from taking too many of Navy's key assistant coaches with him to Georgia Tech.</p>

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<p>VERY good point. Let's hope your scenario is accurate. Conversely, our lads might well benefit from some fresh defensive genius. Or maybe ANY defense minded mentor(s)! :eek: Man, 'twas like a siv (sp?) out there this season. We were doggone blessed to have the slickest ballhandlers and runners this side of the Severn. :cool:</p>

<p>GO NAVY! DON"T GO, ASSISTANTS!!</p>

<p>P.S. And here's hoping our AD goes NW! * ;)</p>

<ul>
<li>= NO WHERE!</li>
</ul>

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<p>And how to pronounce his name:
nee-uu-mah-tah-lo-lo (all syllables receive same emphasis)</p>