You are here:
David Hookstead updated 3 Comments
Navy fired Ken Niumatalolo in ruthless fashion over the weekend.
College football fans were stunned when Navy announced Sunday that Niumatalolo had coached his last game with the program.
However, he wasn’t actually fired Sunday. The winningest coach in Navy football history was fired Saturday night after losing to Army. Niumatalolo told ESPN he was sitting alone in the locker room in Philadelphia when AD Chet Gladchuk walked in and terminated him.
“First of all, we just got kicked in the gut. I was a little bit numb prior to him saying that, so most of it I couldn’t comprehend. I’m just like, ‘Chet, why don’t you take some time to relax.’ He said, ‘Well, it’s been building up,’” Niumatalolo explained to ESPN.
The main problem for Gladchuk was the disappointing slide and a 4-10 record against other service academies the past several seasons. His main two goals for the program are making a bowl game and winning the Commander’s Trophy.
“That’s been the constant bar we strive for, is to achieve those two goals, which I believe are very realistic, very reasonable and have been consistent for 20 years and therefore this does not come as any surprise. It’s just an expectation that unfortunately fell short,” Gladchuk explained.
Niumatalolo was the winningest coach in Midshipmen football history, and he had some incredible seasons with the program.
He definitely deserved better than being fired in the locker room right after losing to Army. That’s just cut-throat and ruthless.
At least wait until you’re back to Annapolis and can have a proper conversation. Firing a man in the locker room while he’s processing a loss just isn’t necessary. This has the same vibes as firing Lane Kiffin on the tarmac, but maybe even worse.
Given what Ken Niumatalolo gave to Navy football for more than decade as the face of the program, he certainly deserved to be fired with more class. Unfortunately, that’s just not how sports works oftentimes.
David is a college football fanatic who foolishly convinces himself every season the Wisconsin Badgers will finally win a national title. Has been pretending to be a cowboy ever since the first episode of Yellowstone aired.
Don’t kid yourself, he knew it was a possibility, “cut-throat and ruthless” is exactly the attitude needing to be instilled into our military members. Otherwise you’ll end like the Frenchies who are all too eager to lay down and speak German.
Fair enough
Don’t disagree with the needed attitude, but this wasn’t the enemy. He is one of ours and gave Navy his all. Respect and honor is what is deserved. It should have been done differently.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Get the Daily OutKick and get smarter every day.
You are agreeing to OutKick’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, but don’t worry we don’t spam.
DISCLAIMER: This site is 100% for entertainment purposes only and does not involve real money betting. Gambling related content is not intended for anyone under the age of 21. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.