Niumatalolo quits UNLV for position at Navy

Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001 | 10:23 a.m.

UNLV football assistant Ken Niumatalolo, who oversaw the Rebels' tight ends, kickoff return unit and option offense for the last three years, has left the school to take an assistant head coaching position at Navy.

"We hate to lose Kenny but the opportunity at Navy was just too good," UNLV head coach John Robinson said. "He did a lot of nice things here and we wish him well."

Under Niumatalolo's guidance, UNLV ranked sixth in the nation in kickoff returns in 2001 and finished second in 1999. And tight end DeJhown Mandley developed into the team's most dependable receiver this season, catching 16 passes for 174 yards and a team-leading three touchdowns.

Niumatalolo came to UNLV from Navy where he coached from 1995-98, having succeeded new Navy head coach Paul Johnson as offensive coordinator in 1997.

The departure of Niumatalolo means Robinson will have two coaching positions to fill. Another assistant, director of football operations Joe Hubbard, is expected to take over a fulltime administrative position in the athletic department early next year. Steve Guiremand