Football success at the Naval Academy comes with apprehension. When a coach thrives with the Mids’ always-undermanned roster, he becomes a target for major conference poachers. Could that be the case for Ken Niumatalolo?
In two seasons as the head coach in Annapolis, Niumatalolo has a 19-8 record, has secured two bowl bids, and has beaten a pair of ranked opponents, a feat no Navy coach had accomplished even once in 23 years.
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It’s an attractive resume, made all the more enticing by the offense Niumatalolo runs, the trendy triple-option. With many schools prospering this season by emphasizing the run, why would a BCS conference school needing a change and looking for a quick fix not consider the 44-year-old?
The template already has been established by Niumatalolo’s predecessor, Paul Johnson. After moving from Navy to Georgia Tech, Johnson went 9-4 in 2008 with a team picked to finish last in the ACC Coastal. This season, Tech is 10-1 and will play in the conference title game.
Like Niumatalolo, Johnson owes his success to the triple-option. Is it not unreasonable to expect that his disciple could work similar magic?
That’s what San Diego State was thinking last year when it asked Navy’s permission to talk to Niumatalolo about its coaching vacancy. Niumatalolo is under contract for the next four years, making more than $1 million annually, according to the Annapolis Capital.
But other schools have the resources to pay more, including a few in the ACC that may be in the market for coaches. According to USA Today, Virginia’s Al Groh and Florida State’s Bobby Bowden both make more than $2 million. Here’s another reason an ambitious coach would be looking to step up from Navy to a BCS conference school: You can win a national championship.
The path from Annapolis to the ACC was established long ago. After nine years as the winningest coach in Navy history (1973-81), George Welch moved to Virginia and turned the program around. Before Welch, the Cavaliers had never been to a bowl game. In 19 years with him, they went to 12.
Could Niumatalolo be the next great coach to leave Navy? Athletic director Chet Gladchuk hopes not. But if it happens, don’t be surprised to see Gladchuk come up with another gem. After all, with Johnson and Niumatalolo, he’s 2-for-2.
