For most football enthusiasts, the memory of their first live game is unforgettable. Navy football coach Brian Newberry is no exception. Interestingly, his introduction to college football as a fan was through a game featuring the Oklahoma Sooners, a team he passionately supported during his childhood.
This Friday, Newberry will find himself on the opposite sideline, leading the Midshipmen (9-3) in the Armed Forces Bowl against none other than Oklahoma (6-6)—the team that shaped his early love for the sport.
Growing up in Oklahoma, Newberry experienced firsthand the fervor and tradition surrounding one of college football’s most storied programs. Raised in Oklahoma City, he was just an hour and a half from Norman, home to the University of Oklahoma and its legendary Sooners.
As fate would have it, Newberry’s formative years coincided with a golden era for the Sooners. In 1985, Oklahoma was not only among the elite teams in the nation but also boasted one of college football’s most polarizing figures, linebacker Brian Bosworth.
“My first college football game was an Oklahoma game back in 1985,” Newberry recalled during a recent teleconference previewing Navy’s upcoming bowl appearance. “Barry Switzer was the head coach, Jamelle Holloway was running the triple-option at quarterback, and they played against Colorado. Brian Bosworth was on that team, and they went on to win the national championship that season.”
Indeed, the 1985 Sooners were a powerhouse. They finished the season with an 11-1 record and claimed the national title after defeating top-ranked Penn State 25-10 in the Orange Bowl. That unforgettable season left a profound impact on Newberry and solidified his dream of becoming a college football player.
Newberry’s own football journey began in Oklahoma City, where he played quarterback for Westmoore High School. His skills earned him a scholarship to Baylor University, where he initially played on offense before transitioning to defense as a safety. In 1992, his senior year, Newberry was part of a Baylor team that shared the Southwest Conference championship—a testament to his versatility and determination.
His playing days set the stage for a successful coaching career, which began as a graduate assistant at Southern Arkansas in 1999. Over the years, Newberry steadily climbed the coaching ranks, eventually joining Navy as the defensive coordinator in 2019. His defensive expertise and leadership earned him the head coaching position in 2023, succeeding long-time coach Ken Niumatalolo.
Now in his second season as head coach, Newberry has guided the Midshipmen to an impressive turnaround. With a win against Oklahoma, Navy can double its victory total from the previous year—a testament to Newberry’s impact on the program.
However, facing Oklahoma presents a unique challenge for the Navy coach, who admits he hasn’t had much time to follow the Sooners as closely as he did during his childhood. Nevertheless, he’s well aware of the program’s pedigree and the test it will pose.
“Getting a bowl game means you’re up against a quality opponent, and we have the opportunity to play a storied program like Oklahoma,” Newberry said. “Facing a team from the SEC is a fantastic opportunity and a significant challenge for us. It’s going to be an incredible experience.”
For Newberry, the Armed Forces Bowl offers not only a chance to showcase his team’s progress but also a poignant connection to his past. From a young fan in the stands to a coach leading his own team against the Sooners, his journey reflects the power of football to inspire and transform lives.
As Navy prepares for Friday’s matchup, Newberry’s story serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of sports and the unexpected paths they can take us on. What began as a childhood dream in Oklahoma has now come full circle, with Newberry poised to make his own mark on college football’s storied legacy.
