Report: Navy gives coach Ken Niumatalolo a new contract

Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo received a new contract, according to the Capital Gazette.

Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk confirmed to the paper that the school did give Niumatalolo an increase in salary, but declined to provide specifics about the new deal.

“We reworked things a bit for Kenny as a show of appreciation for a job well done,” Gladchuk told the paper. “We have always treated Kenny fairly with regard to compensation and this is just a continuation of that mindset.”

Niumatalolo flirted briefly with BYU, which considered him its top candidate after Bronco Mendenhall left for Virginia. Niumatalolo said he wanted to explore the job opportunity at Navy because of his Mormon faith. BYU is the flagship university for members of the Church of Latter Day Saints.

“BYU was something I need to look into because of my faith and the opportunity to coach my two sons,” Niumatalolo said in a statement last week. “But ultimately, I decided to stay at the Naval Academy because this is the best place for me and my family, and we are at peace with the decision.”

According to USA Today’s database on Division I head coaching salaries, Niumatalolo had been earning a base salary of $1.7 million. However, the Capital-Gazette noted that number is from 2011 and that annual bonuses have increased the overall salary.

Niumatalolo is the all-time winningest coach at Navy, with a 67-37 record in eight seasons.

Navy will play Pitt in the Military Bowl on Dec. 28.

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