Ken Niumatalolo was hired as Navy’s 38th football coach this past December when Paul Johnson left for the same position at Georgia Tech. The former offensive line coach is the first Samoan head coach in the Football Bowl Subdivision and faces the task of replacing one of the most successful coaches in school history.
The native of Laie, Hawaii, lives with his wife Barbara, and two sons in Arnold, while his daughter, Alexcia, is a sophomore on the Maryland lacrosse team.
It’s common for players to praise God after touchdowns. What role does religion play in sports?
I try to stay out of it. I am a very religious person but believe in freedom of speech. I allow guys the opportunity to go to church or not, if they don’t and want to stay home, I respect their opinion and beliefs and have always been that way.
What is the biggest difference from being an assistant to being a head coach?
I know all my decisions are going to affect a lot of people. Not only our players, but my assistants, their wives and families and kids and that impact can be daunting at times.
What person did the most to shape your moral life?
My parents. They are the people who instilled my morals. I am a very religious person and I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am who I am because of my parents.
What is your best decision?
I know what I better say so I don’t sleep on the porch: marry my wife. Being a coach’s wife is not an easy thing to do and she has been phenomenal.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t know if I have one. I am a firm believer in “you learn from your mistakes, and you move on.” Everything happens for a reason. I know things could have been better, but when I fell down I got back up to learn from it.
What book or words have inspired you?
Most of my stuff is scripture, and one that has been big one me is John 20:27, “And be not faithless, but believing.” I try to be faithful and know things will work out.
In college you took a break from playing football at Hawaii to go on a two-year mission in Ventura, Calif. What did you do?
We went around spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it was hard work. You knocked on doors all day. I went as a Spanish speaking missionary and I spoke in primarily Spanish communities, and at time it was hard getting the door slammed in your face. It was humbling and I learned a lot and it helped formed who I am as a person.
Considering what’s happening in the world today, do you think God cares about which team wins a sporting event?
I don’t think he does, but I hope he does, and I pray for help. It might be some selfish prayers, but for guidance. I know there is a lot going on in the world besides football games and I look at my relationship with God as my heavenly Father. Sometimes my prayers are granted and sometimes they aren’t.
