Fueled by optimism, hope, Gatorade and the ‘Ohana spirit, San José State football head coach Ken Niumatalolo finally has the reins to a team looking to turn the page on a bittersweet farewell to former head coach Brent Brennan.
Niumatalolo was named as SJSU’s head coach on Jan. 21 and he is the all-time winning head coach at Naval Academy, according to his biography on the SJSU Spartans website.
“I think Coach Ken instilled that ‘Ohana in us, that family,” senior wide receiver Nick Nash said. “...He’s very relatable to the team and really shows his understanding of this team (and) knows what we like to do and how we like to bond.”
Niumatalolo coached the Naval Academy with 10 overall wins between the Army, the most in the history of the rivalry, according to the SJSU Spartans website.
Nash said Brennan is more of an offensive coach and hands-on while Niumatalolo’s philosophy is different.
Nimatalolo is looking to use a wide-open offense with an emphasis on the passing game, according to an article by CBS Sports.
“Our emphasis in camp has always been the same, working on the blue line, running to the ball, taking care of the ball, playing fast and physically,” Niumatalolo said.
Wyoming University Cowboys, SJSU’s matchup for homecoming this 2024 season, ending last season with a 9-4 record and a 3-game winning streak.
SJSU finished second in the Mountain West Conference behind University of Nevada, Las Vegas with a league record of 7-6.
The Spartans are scheduled to tango with conference rivals UNLV and Boise State University as well as powerhouse Stanford University at
home.
SJSU celebrated their sixth straight win Nov. 25 before losing to Coastal Carolina Chanticleers in the Hawai‘i Bowl.
Junior running back Floyd Chalk IV, a newcomer to the SJSU program, said his game changed a lot since his freshman and sophomore campaign at Grambling State University.
Chalk ran for 696 yards with a career-high nine touchdowns in 2023, according to the SJSU athletics page.
“I’m going to do my part for the team,” Chalk said. “Sacrifice my body for the team.”
Chalk summarized his experience with the team so far during training camp with his new coach and new team with one word, brotherly.
“Coaching is coaching, but we’ve got good kids here,” Niumatalolo said. “I’ve been impressed with them as people, we’ve been working hard and we’re going to continue to work.”
Before joining SJSU, Niumatalolo served under Chip Kelly at UCLA in 2023. Now he retains the title of head coach and is ready to guide his team, his ‘Ohana into a new chapter at SJSU.
“We’ve worked our butts off for a month now,” Nash said. “It’s been very competitive and I’m very excited about it.”
The Spartans are scheduled to kick off their 2024 season with a home opener against Sacramento State at CEFCU Stadium in San José on Aug. 29 at 7:00 p.m.
