Crushing Rivalry Loss Leads To The Firing Of One Of College Football’s Longest Tenured Coaches

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Ken Niumatalolo’s time in Annapolis has come to an end. The Navy coach was let go following the program’s double overtime loss to rival Army on Saturday.

The decision not to bring back Niumatalolo puts a close to one of the sports’ longest partnerships. The head coach has been a mainstay at Navy, spending the last 15 seasons at the helm.

During that time, he’s led the Midshipmen to 109 wins and 10 bowl appearances. Unfortunately, things have been going in the wrong direction over the last handful of years.

Since 2018, Navy’s posted four losing seasons culminating with this year’s 4-8 output. The season ended with a crushing defeat to Army, the fifth loss to its rival in seven meetings. Prior to the game, there were murmurs surrounding Niumatalolo’s job security. On Sunday, those rumors were confirmed.

Navy’s Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk has released a statement on the head coach’s departure.

“Our sincerest gratitude to Coach Ken for what has been a distinguished and impactful legacy at the Naval Academy. 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 that played for him.”

While this move has likely been in the works for a few weeks, many hinted that the ultimate decision to fire Niumatalolo hinged on the outcome of the Army game. That matchup came down to the wire in a game that the Midshipmen probably should’ve won.

Army scored on a blocked punt just before halftime, the only touchdown they scored in regulation. After the game went to overtime for the first time in the history of the series, Army outscored Navy 10-7.

On Navy’s final drive, it fumbled at the goal line with a chance to take a lead. Army recovered and went on to kick a game-winning field goal.

It will be odd not seeing the head coach on Navy’s sideline next year as Niumatalolo has been a college football staple in Annapolis. It will be interesting to see how he bounces back.

Related: Army-Navy goes OVER the point total for the 1st time in 17 years