11/28/2003 - Football
Exciting Times In Annapolis

So many times, mid-majors make a mistake of not

recognizing a good thing when they have it. Before

they know it, that great coach they had is gone.

This week the Naval Academy stepped up right away and

did its job to secure Paul Johnson through 2009 with a

contract extension. This, for a man who is about to

lead the Mids to their third-best win total in the

last 40 years if Navy beats Army on December 6 in

Philadelphia. As icing on the cake, Navy announced on

Friday it will accept an invitation to the EV1.net

Bowl in Houston, Texas on December 30.

In two years, with a lot of the same mechanical parts

for the train, he has turned a two-win team into a

possible eight-win team. Navy has dusted off a place

in anticipation of the Commander-In-Chiefs Trophy,

something they haven't had since Ronald Reagan was

President. That was two Bush's and one Clinton ago.

In a statement, Navy Athletic Director said it best.

"Paul has delivered a level of professionalism,

knowledge and focus to a program that truly needed a

jump start. He has accepted the challenge and the

entire Navy community is realizing the rewards," said

Gladchuk. "It was very important to stabilize quality

continuity for the program and we have assured that

through Paul and his staff. We will only get better

each year under his leadership and I expect Paul to

become the next Dean of Service Academy Coaches as our

coach at Navy."

Navy's program has never been marketed more

aggressively than it is right now. Johnson's ability

to turn the program around quickly was paramount. With

Maryland turning its program around under Ralph

Friedgen, the competition for the local college

football dollar got that much more tougher for the

Annapolis contingent to garner. Now, how might this

2005 game be between these two rivals?

It is hard to argue with any of the moves Gladchuck

has made so far at the helm of the Navy athletic ship.

He was not afraid to pull the plug on the sinking

Charlie Weatherbie sub. It appears as if he has hired

a carrier in his place. His renovation project for

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium couldn't be turning

out better.

Another noticeable change is the involvement of the

brigade. They have come out in bigger numbers and

making more noise than ever before.

"Paul's leadership is so important to the Academy and

our Midshipmen," said Vice Admiral Rodney Rempt, Naval

Academy Superintendent. "We are all very pleased that

he will continue to guide our football program back to

national prominence. Our success this season on the

field has been so rewarding on many fronts and most

especially has rekindled the spirit of the Brigade."

Johnson has done it by changing the attitude that

developed into a losing culture. Players as a whole

comment on the changing of the attitude and the lack

of acceptance for anything but doing it right.

Quarterback Craig Candeto has put up filthy numbers

in Johnson's offense. He has led Navy to the top spot

in the country in rushing without the aid of five

300-pounders on the offensive line, no backs who run

4.3, and with a line that is using its third different

center of the season.

"Coach simply doesn't accept excuses. He demands a

certain level of performance and if he feels your not

performing to your highest level he and the coaches

simply will find someone else,'' Candeto said. "They

make you get the best out of yourself and when you do

that your going to have more success.''

Johnson, who may be as humble and under spoken as any

coach in the country, has found this turn around season among his most enjoyable ever.

"I'm excited about the commitment the Naval Academy

has made to the football program and our coaching

staff," said Johnson. "This year has been one of my

most enjoyable years in coaching as our players have

given us a total commitment since day one and the

support has been tremendous, especially the support

from the Brigade of Midshipmen. I look forward to

continuing the restoration of the proud tradition of

Navy Football."

Give the Administration credit. The commitment to

Navy football has never been greater. With the

administration now making the right moves off the

field, they now have a man who can help them make the

right moves on it.