Navy football coach Brian Newberry made a significant change to his coaching staff by hiring Drew Cronic as the new offensive coordinator after the 2023 season. Cronic, a seasoned coach with experience across all levels of college football, quickly made an impact by leading the Midshipmen to a strong performance in the recent Army-Navy Game, resulting in a 31-13 victory. This success has sparked interest among fans and analysts, who are now considering Cronic among the top up-and-coming coaches in the sport.
As Navy prepares for their bowl game against Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl on Friday, Cronic’s leadership is critical. This match will be the Midshipmen’s first bowl game since 2019, and the team, with a record of 9-3, hopes to secure a victory against the six-win Sooners.
Drew Cronic’s journey in football has been noteworthy. After serving as the head coach at Mercer for four seasons, where he recorded 28 wins and a playoff berth, he accepted the position at Navy, marking his first role in the FBS. Cronic’s extensive coaching experience includes time as a graduate assistant, receivers coach, and head coach at various institutions, showcasing his ability to build successful teams.
Cronic expressed admiration for Coach Newberry and highlighted the importance of developing young men in the unique environment of a service academy. Unlike many programs that rely heavily on the transfer portal, Navy focuses on nurturing high school recruits, which appealed to Cronic during his transition to Annapolis.
With a commendable coaching record and a clear vision for the Navy offense, Drew Cronic has the potential to elevate the team’s performance and drive them toward achieving their bowl game aspirations.
This is a hopeful indication for Navy football fans, as the combination of Cronic’s innovative coaching style and a committed roster could lead to a bright future for the Midshipmen on the field.