The Defensive Maestro: 5 Ways Brian Newberry Has Transformed Navy Football In His First Two Years

As of December 2025, the United States Naval Academy football program is firmly under the direction of Head Coach Brian Newberry, the 40th head coach in the program's storied history. Newberry has not just taken the reins; he has ushered in a new era for the Midshipmen, blending the academy’s core values of discipline and toughness with a high-octane defensive philosophy that has quickly delivered major results, including a recent Commander-In-Chief's Trophy victory.

Following a highly successful, but ultimately stagnant, period under his predecessor, Newberry's promotion from Defensive Coordinator was a bold move that has paid dividends. His tenure, now entering its third year, is defined by a renewed competitive spirit, a commitment to defensive excellence, and a leadership style perfectly suited for the unique demands of the Naval Academy student-athlete.

Brian Newberry: Complete Biographical Profile and Coaching Journey

Brian Newberry’s path to becoming the Navy Head Football Coach is a testament to climbing the coaching ladder through sheer dedication, primarily on the defensive side of the ball. His background as a former player and long-time coordinator provides a deep foundation for his leadership role in Annapolis.

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• Full Name: Brian Newberry
• Date of Birth: February 26, 1974
• Hometown/Roots: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Playing Career: Defensive Back at Baylor University (four-year player)
• First Coaching Job: Graduate Assistant at Southern Arkansas University (coaching defensive backs and wide receivers)
• Key Coaching Stops (Pre-Navy):
  • University of the South (Defensive Coordinator)
  • Northern Michigan University (Defensive Coordinator)
  • Kennesaw State University (Defensive Coordinator)
• Naval Academy Tenure:
  • Defensive Coordinator (2019–2022)
  • Head Coach (December 19, 2022–Present)
• Predecessor: Ken Niumatalolo (Fired in December 2022)
• Current Salary (2024): Approximately $1.8 million
• Current Head Coaching Record (as of Nov 2025): 23–12 (since 2023)

Newberry’s extensive experience as a defensive coordinator, including a highly successful stint at Kennesaw State where his teams consistently ranked among the nation's best in total defense, made him the natural internal choice to succeed the long-tenured Ken Niumatalolo.

The "Get Six" Philosophy and Defensive Dominance

One of the most defining and immediate changes Newberry brought to the program, even before becoming the head coach, was his defensive philosophy, known as "Get Six." This concept is a clear, measurable goal that embodies his emphasis on aggressive, opportunistic defense.

The "Get Six" metric challenges the Midshipmen’s defense to achieve a combination of six key plays during a game. These plays include three-and-outs, fourth-down stops, turnovers, and defensive touchdowns. When the team hits this goal, they are almost guaranteed a victory.

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This disciplined, goal-oriented approach perfectly aligns with the Naval Academy's ethos. It has transformed the Navy defense into a unit known for its toughness, speed, and ability to create game-changing moments. In his first year as Defensive Coordinator in 2019, Newberry’s scheme led to a massive defensive improvement, including a top-10 national ranking against the run despite facing multiple top-tier rushing offenses.

The "Get Six" mentality ensures that every player is focused on creating momentum, a crucial factor when the offense is often built around the time-consuming triple-option attack. This philosophy is a major reason why the Midshipmen have remained competitive in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).

Newberry's Impact: 5 Milestones That Define His Early Tenure

The transition from a legendary coach is rarely seamless, yet Brian Newberry has navigated it with remarkable success. His early tenure is marked by several significant achievements that signal a bright future for Navy football.

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1. Reclaiming the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy

Perhaps the most critical measure of success for any Navy coach is performance against the other service academies: Army and Air Force. Newberry's second year (2024 season) was a landmark, as he led the Midshipmen to a 10-3 record and, most importantly, secured the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy (CIC).

Winning the CIC Trophy—awarded annually to the winner of the football competition among the three major service academies—is a powerful morale boost for the entire Naval Academy. This achievement, which requires defeating both Army West Point and the Air Force Falcons, immediately solidified his standing among the Navy faithful.

2. A Record of Success Against the Triple Option

Newberry’s defensive scheme has proven particularly effective against the very style of offense Navy runs. In the rivalry games, where both opponents utilize option-based attacks, his defensive acumen provides a significant tactical advantage. His ability to game-plan for the unique challenges of the triple option is a key reason for the recent success in the rivalry matchups.

3. Elevated National Recognition

The team’s on-field success has brought Brian Newberry individual recognition on the national stage. As of October 2025, Newberry was named to the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award Coach of the Year Watch List. This nod from the national media highlights the fresh energy and positive trajectory of the program under his leadership, validating the Naval Academy's decision to promote him.

4. Emphasizing Discipline and Student-Athlete Development

Newberry's coaching philosophy goes beyond the X's and O's. He consistently emphasizes discipline, toughness, and developing well-rounded student-athletes, which is essential in the service academy environment. He understands that his players are future officers in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and his coaching reflects a commitment to preparing them for life after football.

5. Seamless Transition and Program Stability

Despite the high-profile firing of Ken Niumatalolo—the program's winningest coach—Newberry's promotion ensured a level of continuity. He was already a respected figure in the locker room and a key part of the program's recent success as Defensive Coordinator. This internal promotion allowed the team to maintain its identity while injecting new leadership and energy, preventing the kind of instability that can often plague a program after a major coaching change.

The Future of Navy Football Under Brian Newberry

As the Midshipmen navigate the competitive landscape of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) in the 2025 season and beyond, Brian Newberry's leadership is the cornerstone of the program's future. The challenge for Navy is always recruitment and maintaining a competitive edge with the service academy restrictions.

However, Newberry's success in his first two seasons—including the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy win and a strong overall record—provides a compelling narrative for prospective midshipmen. His focus on a dominant defense and a disciplined, tough-minded culture ensures that Navy will continue to be a formidable opponent for any team, especially in the high-stakes atmosphere of the annual Army-Navy Game, a tradition that remains the pinnacle of the college football season for the Naval Academy.