SJSU Athletic Director Jeff Konya and head coach Ken Niumatalolo share a moment together following the introductory press conference for Niumatalolo. l Photo by Nick Orozco – The Spear
By Christian Vieyra (@thecvieyra) – Managing Editor
San Jose State’s Director of Athletics Jeff Konya took to the podium to introduce Ken Niumatalolo Tuesday afternoon at the Spartan Athletic Center.
“We’re not just getting a football coach, we’re getting a leader of men,” Konya said.
Niumatalolo first met with players on Sunday and opened the floor for discussion with the team then.
“I stayed until the last guy left if there’s anybody that wanted to talk,” Niumatalolo said. Staying as late as 10:30 p.m.
Niumatalolo began his conference with an “aloha,” before reflecting on his journey that led him to San Jose.
“People have asked me over the years what was my culture about and how was I gonna coach?” Niumatalolo said. “I just was who I am.”
One story that Niumatalolo brought up was when he had his coaching staff carry the players bags for them, loading them into the bus. While telling that story he broke into tears, “I wanted to show them,” he said before pausing, “…how much I love them.”
Niumatalolo showed his vulnerability throughout his press conference, “You can be vulnerable, you got to show your kids that you love them.”
Love was a common theme throughout his introduction, citing his difficult departure from the Naval Academy. “It was hard when I got let go because I love those players so much,” Niumatalolo said.
Niumatalolo noted the beauty of the new facilities, but that was not the selling point here. “I don’t want to take away anything from the construction of this building, but that’s just brick and mortar. The most important thing that mattered to me were the people,” Niumatalolo said.
Konya knew Niumatalolo was the man for the job once they met face to face in Los Angeles citing the intangibles such as his body language, style and presentation.
“I’m here to help develop young men of character,” Niumatalolo said. “Make them be better husbands, better fathers, better citizens.”
Niumatalolo believes that if he can achieve success like that off the field first, the success on the field will come.
He claims he is going to embrace the Bay Area and lean into recruitment locally both from community colleges and high schools.
“Coach Brennan did a great job of building this and I just want to continue to build,” Niumatalolo said. “I’m excited about the future of this program.”