Navy signs coach Niumatalolo to extension

Jan 7, 2009 - 9:37 PM ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Ticker) - Navy agreed to a contract extension with coach Ken Niumatalolo, the Naval Academy announced on Wednesday.

Terms of the extension were not released.

Niumatalolo is fresh off the most successful campaign for a first-year head coach at Navy in the modern era, compiling an 8-5 record.

He also led the Midshipmen to a school-record sixth straight Commander-In-Chief's Trophy, defeated a school-record four bowl teams and appeared in a school-record sixth straight bowl game.

"Rare is the case when a major coaching transition at this level of competition results in the extraordinary success we realized this past season under Kenny's leadership," Naval Academy director of athletics Chet Gladchuk said. "Having been a member of the Naval Academy family for more than a decade as both an associate and head coach, there is no member of our staff that understands the philosophy, values, commitment, objectives and dynamics of this leadership institution more so than he."

During Niumatalolo's first year, Navy won an NCAA-record fourth consecutive national rushing title and led the nation in graduation rate for a fourth straight year.

Before Navy's current streak, no team had ever won more than two straight NCAA rushing titles.

"The Naval Academy has made a significant commitment to me and my family, for which we are eternally grateful," said Niumatalolo. "We love this great institution, we love Annapolis and we love the young men that we have been entrusted to lead."

Niumatalolo's eight wins are the most by a first-year Navy coach since 1926, when Bill Ingram led the Midshipmen to a 9-0-1 record. Navy was able to accomplish that despite being one of only 12 schools in the country to start three different quarterbacks during the year.