5 candidates to replace Kevin Sumlin at Arizona

1. Ken Niumatalolo, Navy Head Coach

Niumatalolo looked like the favorite to take over at Arizona when Rich Rodriguez was let go, before Sumlin became available and was ultimately hired. At the time Niumatalolo’s name surfaced quarterback Khalil Tate tweeted how he didn’t want to run the triple-option, which is of course the system Niumatalolo has used at Navy. It appears from the outside that Tate had strong influence on the coaching search, perhaps to his own detriment with the benefit of hindsight.

After a dismal 3-10 campaign in 2018, the Midshipmen are 7-1 so far this season and right in the thick of a top-heavy AAC race. The schedule is challenging from here on out (at Notre Dame, SMU and at Houston before the traditional game against Army). But at least eight wins for the ninth time in 12 full seasons under Niumatalolo is pretty likely, and a 10th season over .500 is a lock.

If he has any desire to leave Navy, which isn’t clear beyond his name moving toward the top of Arizona’s list a couple years ago, Niumatalolo seems likely to have other opportunities again this year. If Sumlin is fired after the season, circling back to the Navy head coach seems certain for Arizona AD Dave Heeke.