Why Is Navy’s Football Coach Allowed To Have A Beard?

The Naval Academy has strict rules and regulations when it comes to facial hair. A clean shave is typical, though there are a few exceptions.

Navy football coach Brian Newberry does not have to adhere to those guidelines. He explained why in a sit down with former NFL coach Jon Gruden.

Newberry has been on the sidelines in Annapolis for the last six seasons. He was the Midshipmen’s defensive coordinator from 2019-2022 before being promoted to replace Ken Niumatalolo in 2023.

Since, he’s gone 26-12 at the helm. That includes a 21-5 mark over the last two seasons. There are many things that define the defensive mastermind. One is his thick white beard.

Naval academy facial hair rules are strict.

Academy rules mirror Navy policy. Chapter 2, Section 2 of the grooming standards details personal appearance. Article 2201.2 references shaving and mustaches.

Men.  FACIAL HAIR.  Grooming standards for facial hair in uniform and when performing official duties requiring the wearing of civilian clothes will be in accordance with this article.

a. SHAVING.  The face will be clean shaven daily.  Mustaches are authorized.  Any incidents of non-tolerable skin irritation associated with shaving should be reported to the appropriate member of the chain of command.  Direct affected personnel to seek medical health care for evaluation and treatment determination

Waivers can be filed for religious and medical exemptions. Typically, though, a morning shave is required daily.

This ensures a neat, clean, and professional look. Facial hair restrictions are also in place to prevent beards from impeding the ability to safely wear and utilize emergency equipment.

Even mustaches, which are allowed in the Navy, have strict specifications. They must not dip below the upper lip. They cannot extend horizontally beyond the lip line. Handlebars are prohibited! (That’s probably a good thing).

Brian Newberry’s players must follow these guidelines. The Navy head football coach, however, is exempt from facial hair demands. He explained why this offseason.

Why is Navy’s football coach allowed to have a beard?

Newberry sat down with Jon Gruden at the American Kickoff event. He was asked about his beard. He revealed the reason he’s able to grow his facial hair out while his players can’t. Simply put, he does not have to abide by the same rules.

Football coaches are not bound by academy restrictions. While they are expected to uphold the values and standards of the military academies, they are not subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Newberry is also exempt from grooming standards.

He is a civilian. He has no individual ties to the academy outside of his coaching experience.

Newberry is a former Baylor football player. He won a co-Southwest Conference Championship in 1994 as a safety. Injuries limited his success on the field, so, he turned to coaching.

He’s had his beard for as long as he can remember.

“I’m a civilian,” he told Gruden when probed on the beard. “I’ve had it for a long time, so I feel like I can’t shave it off at this point.”

Newberry is ready for Year 4 as the Navy football coach. His season starts at home vs. Towson on September 5th. He’ll look to lead the Midshipmen to a Commander’s Trophy and conference championship in the American.

You can expect to see him rock the beard on the sidelines for yet another season.