Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo is weighing whether to become the next coach of the Arizona Wildcats.
Niumatalolo met with his staff in Annapolis, Maryland, Saturday morning. The assistants emerged from that meeting uncertain what Niumatalolo was going to do – perhaps because he wasn’t sure himself.
Niumatalolo was expected to meet with Navy athletic director Chet Gladchuk this evening.
“Honestly, I do not know what is fact versus fiction,” Gladchuk told the Washington Post. “I have not talked to him, but we have texted with little details. … As of this moment you know as much as I do.”
It’s unclear what exactly is giving Niumatalolo pause, although it could be his feelings for the Naval Academy. He has been on the staff there for 19 years.
It’s possible Niumatalolo will ask for more time, in which case the decision could linger into next week. A devout Mormon, Niumatalolo does not work on Sundays.
Niumatalolo interviewed with BYU in December 2015 but did not take the job. Conflicts over staffing reportedly factored into his decision.
Niumatalolo has an 84-48 record in 10-plus seasons at Navy. Arizona is seeking to replace Rich Rodriguez, who was fired Jan. 2 amid allegations that he created a hostile workplace and sexually harassed a former employee.
