Ken Niumatalolo had the most successful first season as a head coach in Navy history winning the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy in 2008. After defeating rivals Army and Air Force, Niumatalolo led the team to their sixth straight bowl game.
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The Midshipmen have some notable rivalry matches each year. How do you encourage intensity and competition while maintaining a respectful relationship with opposing teams?
The institution we represent and the young men that come here are a large part of that. I think that they understand that football is just a game. They still go out there and play tough because we want to win, but they know how to do that while being respectful.
You have worked with – and played against – many great coaches in your career. If you could add any collegiate head coach to your staff, who would it be and why?
Chris Petersen of Boise State. I'm interested in learning how he thinks and how he sees the games.
Do you believe margin of victory should be taken into account by pollsters and the BCS system?
No. You’ll see some teams trying to run up the score near the end of games. I just don't think that's the way the game is supposed to be played. So for me, the answer is no.
After winning the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy in your first year as head coach, how do you keep your players humbled and prepared for each game?
We teach them that you have to prepare for the future. You won't get anywhere by looking in the rearview mirror.
What values and principles are your players learning through football?
They're learning hard work, dignity, integrity, and self-respect.
Fill in the blank. If I weren't coaching football, I'd be ________.
I'm not sure what I'd be doing, but it would be in Hawaii.
If your players compared you to their drill sergeants would you be offended or flattered?
Flattered isn't the right word, but no, I definitely wouldn't be offended.
What sports did you play in high school? What was your best?
I played football and basketball. It's hard to say which is my best, but my first love is basketball.
What is your favorite movie of all time and the best movie you've seen recently?
What is that one with the cars that turn into robots? Transformers. I saw that at the theaters with my kids.
What is one thing that your players would be surprised to learn about you?
That I'm actually a nice guy.
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