Navy football head coach Brian Newberry sought a fresh perspective for his offense after the 2023 college football season, leading to a significant change in their coaching staff. Newberry found what he needed in Drew Cronic, who has taken on the role of offensive coordinator for the Midshipmen.
Cronic, who has a diverse coaching background and has journeyed through various roles at different levels of college football, showcased his expertise in the recent Army-Navy Game, where the Midshipmen triumphed 31-13. His successful strategy has made waves in the sporting community, as fans and analysts now look to him as a potential candidate for various coaching vacancies, marking Newberry’s decision to hire him as a savvy choice.
With the Midshipmen’s offense under Cronic’s guidance and quarterback Blake Horvath leading the charge, the team is poised to achieve something not accomplished in recent years: a victory in a bowl game. This Friday, Navy (9-3) will face Oklahoma (6-6) in the Armed Forces Bowl in Fort Worth, Texas, marking their first bowl appearance since 2019.
So, who is Drew Cronic? He is a first-year offensive coordinator at Navy and is widely regarded as one of the innovative minds in college football. Cronic joined the Navy coaching staff after four successful seasons as the head coach at Mercer, where he instilled a winning culture and led the team to its first FCS playoff appearance. During his playing days at the University of Georgia, he was part of teams that competed in significant bowl games.
Cronic’s coaching career began in earnest in 1999 at James Madison. His leadership has seen him build impressive programs, including an eye-catching run at Reinhardt, culminating in a record-setting season there. His coaching prowess earned him a stellar .765 winning percentage during his eight years as a head coach.
Cronic was officially appointed as Navy’s offensive coordinator on January 10, succeeding Grant Chesnut. Newberry expressed his enthusiasm for Cronic joining the team, indicating their shared values and commitment to player development.
Cronic’s decision to leave Mercer, where he achieved considerable success, was guided by his respect for Coach Newberry and the unique opportunity to work at a service academy. He appreciates the focus on high school recruits and the chance to mold young men through football, a refreshing perspective in a field increasingly influenced by transfer dynamics.
In summary, Cronic’s engagement with Navy football represents a promising chapter for both the coach and the team, as they aim for continued success in the postseason and beyond. As the Midshipmen take the field, fans will hope that Cronic’s vision can lead them to victory in the Armed Forces Bowl, rekindling the spirit of Navy football and setting the stage for future achievements.