Niumatalolo to work as UCLA tight ends coach

• Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior Citizen WriterJan 5, 2024, 02:42 PM ET

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  • College football reporter.
  • Signed up with ESPN.com in 2008.
  • Graduate of Northwestern University.UCLA has actually selected

Ken Niumatalolo, Navy’s all-time coaching wins leader, to coach its tight ends after he served in an off-field function for the program in 2023. Niumatalolo was UCLA’s director of leadership last year, recommending both players and coaches, however coached the group’s tight ends during preparation for the LA Bowl, which the Bruins won over Boise State.He led Navy from 2007 to 2022, going 109-83 general with 10 gaining seasons, 10 wins versus rival Army– the most for any coach in the series– and six Commander-in-Chief’s Trophies. Niumatalolo was called the AAC Coach of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2019.”Ken is a tremendous example for our program off the field through his character and experiences at the Naval Academy,”UCLA coach Chip Kelly stated in a statement.”We are delighted with the chance to add his understanding and leadership to our tight ends space and training personnel. “Niumatalolo, 58, replaces Jeff Faris, who left UCLA last month to become Austin Peay’s head coach. Niumatalolo, who played quarterback

at Hawai’i, last coached tight ends at UNLV from 1999 to 2001, between two assistant stints at Navy.