Navy parts ways with Ken Niumatalolo after 16 seasons, names Brian Newberry as interim head coach

The Navy Midshipmen are moving on from head football coach Ken Niumatalolo after 16 years with the program. Niumatalolo is the winningest coach in Navy history with an overall record of 109-83.

However, the Midshipmen finished their third consecutive losing season with an overtime loss to Army on Saturday. Over the last three seasons, Niumatalolo’s record was 11-23.

Taking over for Niumatalolo in an interim capacity will be defensive coordinator Brian Newberry, the program announced. Newberry has coached the Midshipmen for four seasons as defensive coordinator and safeties coach.

“Our sincerest gratitude to Coach Ken for what has been a distinguished and impactful legacy at the Naval Academy,” AD Chet Gladchuk wrote in the announcement.

“Navy football flourished for many years under his leadership. He will forever be remembered for the influence he has had on the lives of those who played for him. We all have great respect and appreciation for his 25 years of service to the Academy.”

During his 16 seasons, Niumatalolo achieved two end-of-season AP top-25 finishes. In 2015, Navy went 11-2 and finished No. 18 in the poll. They also went 11-2 in 2019 and landed at No. 20 in the final AP Top 25.

Trick play in OT ends Navy vs Army game

In the 123-year history of the Army–Navy game, the game never went to overtime before Saturday’s installment. With that first extra period, a historic streak came to an end.

Army and Navy were tied 10-10 at the end of regulation, forcing the game’s first-ever overtime period. Prior to kickoff, the over-under was set at 32.5, according to Vegas Insider, meaning those who bet the over needed two touchdowns.

Both teams scored, meaning the over hit for the first time since 2005 — 17 years ago. The streak ended in wild fashion, too.

Navy quarterback Xavier Arline faked two tosses before eventually finding Maquel Haywood for a 25-yard pass to tie things up at 17-17 following a close extra point. But the six points were all that mattered to over bettors, who could cash in their tickets for the first time in almost 20 years.

That pass to Haywood was Arline’s first pass attempt of the game and put Navy in position to take the lead in the second overtime. However, the Midshipmen fumbled the ball, giving Army the ball back with a chance to win with any score. The Black Knights did just that, making the game-winning field goal to leave Lincoln Financial Field with the 20-17 victory.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.