Navy Names New Head Coach

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Ticker) - Navy turned to one its own to replace Paul Johnson. The service academy announced Saturday that longtime assistant Ken Niumatalolo has been promoted to coach. The 42-year-old becomes the 38th coach in Navy's history. Navy said it believes the Hawaii graduate to be the first Polynesian coach in NCAA history. Niumatalolo replaces Johnson, who left to become Georgia Tech coach on Friday. "It's an honor and a privilege to be named head football coach at the Naval Academy," Niumatalolo said. "I would like to thank Adm. Fowler and (Naval Academy Director of Athletics Chet) Gladchuk for supporting me and I am excited about the future of the Navy football program. I am in the process of putting together a coaching staff that will give us a every opportunity to continue the winning tradition at the Naval Academy." Niumatalolo is an offensive specialist, who worked as offensive coordinator for Navy in 1997-98 before leaving to work at UNLV as an assistant coach . He returned to Annapolis as assistant head coach in 2002. Since that time, Navy has compiled a 43-19 record and won five straight Commander-In-Chief's Trophies. Navy (8-4) will play Utah in the Poinsettia Bowl on December 20.