ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Ken Niumatalolo set the bar excessive for what a army academy might nonetheless accomplish in main school soccer.
The previous three seasons at Navy weren’t as much as that customary.
Niumatalolo is out after 15 seasons on the helm. The academy introduced Sunday that he wouldn’t return — a day after the Midshipmen misplaced to Army in double additional time and completed 4-8 for the second straight yr. Niumatalolo is the winningest coach in class historical past at 109-83, however after going 11-2 in 2019, Navy hasn’t completed above .500 since.
“Our sincerest gratitude to Coach Ken for what has been a distinguished and impactful legacy on the Naval Academy,” athletic director Chet Gladchuk mentioned in an announcement. “Navy soccer flourished for a few years below his management. He’ll perpetually be remembered for the affect he has had on the lives of those that performed for him.”
Defensive coordinator Brian Newberry was named interim coach. Gladchuk is anticipated to talk to reporters Monday.
Niumatalolo was employed by Navy earlier than the 2008 season. Within the Midshipmen’s first two years within the American Athletic Convention, Niumatalolo led the crew to a share of an AAC West Division title in 2015 and gained the AAC West title outright in 2016. Navy additionally shared the West title in 2019.
The Midshipmen have gone simply 11-23 during the last three seasons and have had one profitable season during the last 5 years. Navy is a mixed 4-10 towards the opposite two service academies during the last seven years.
“The Naval Academy will now transfer ahead with continued excessive ambitions and embrace a brand new period of reaffirmed expectations for Navy soccer and our midshipmen,” Gladchuk mentioned.
Navy performed in 10 bowl video games below Niumatalolo. He is the one coach within the Army-Navy rivalry to start his profession with eight straight wins within the sequence. He is also the one coach in Navy historical past to win 4 consecutive bowl video games, and he tied a program report by beating Notre Dame thrice in his tenure.
Navy was an Impartial for 134 years earlier than becoming a member of the AAC, and the Midshipmen have gone 36-26 in convention play.
Navy started this season with a loss to FCS Delaware. The Midshipmen notched a giant win at Central Florida on Nov. 19, however misplaced to Army regardless of permitting solely 153 yards of offense.
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