San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
SJSU ZEROS IN ON EX-NAVY COACH NIUMATALOLO
San Jose State is working to finalize a deal with former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo to replace Brent Brennan as the Spartans head coach, two people with direct knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Saturday.
The people spoke on condition of anonymity because details were still being worked out and university approval was needed.
ESPN first reported Niumatalolo was being targeted by San Jose State as its next head coach.
Niumatalolo is the winningest coach in Navy history, going 109-83 in 15 seasons before being fired after the 2022 game against Army. During his time with the Midshipmen, Navy ran the triple-option offense. Niumatalolo has said that if he got another chance to be a head coach, he would likely move away from the run-heavy scheme.
Niumatalolo spent last season at UCLA in an off-field-role for Bruins coach Chip Kelly, but was elevated to tight ends coach after the season.
San Jose State is looking for a replacement for Brennan, who took the Arizona job after seven seasons with the Spartans. Brennan’s teams reached bowl games in three of the last four seasons and finished 7-6 in 2023.
Proctor to Iowa
Former Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor said he is transferring to Iowa.
Proctor, who is from Des Moines, started every game at left tackle for Alabama as a freshman this season.
He told On3.com on Saturday that he committed to play for the Hawkeyes. He had announced his intentions to leave the Crimson Tide on social media on Wednesday.
A number of Alabama players have already transferred or entered the portal since the retirement of coach Nick Saban. Saban was replaced by Kalen Deboer.
Stars returning at Arizona
Arizona and new coach Brennan received a big boost to their potential football fortunes in 2024 as quarterback Noah Fifita and wide receiver Tetairoa Mcmillan will both be back for another season.
Fifita and Mcmillan made their announcements Saturday during a break in the Ucla-arizona men’s basketball game.
Fifita and Mcmillan were key components in an offense that finished fourth in the Pac-12 with 448.0 yards per game and fifth in passing (308.3) last season as the program won its last seven games and secured its first 10-win campaign since 2014.