Playing the Oklahoma Sooners Gives Navy Coach Brian Newberry a Taste of Home
As the football season progresses, few matchups generate as much intrigue as when teams from vastly different backgrounds face off on the field. This season, one such pairing holds special significance for Navy football head coach Brian Newberry. A man with deep roots in Oklahoma, Newberry’s upcoming game against the Oklahoma Sooners resonates on a personal level. For him, the contest represents not just a clash of two teams, but a reunion of sorts with his home state, a place where his football journey began and where he cultivated a lifelong passion for the game.
Brian Newberry is known for his disciplined approach and sharp football mind, qualities that have made him a rising star in college football coaching circles. He took the reins as Navy’s head coach in 2023, having built a reputation as a tactician and motivator during his time as a defensive coordinator. His coaching journey has been marked by his ability to adapt and succeed across different systems, and it is no surprise that he was chosen to lead the Midshipmen, a team known for its unique triple-option offense and steadfast commitment to hard work and perseverance.
But behind the professional accolades, Newberry’s connection to the Oklahoma Sooners and the state of Oklahoma runs deep. He grew up in the small town of McAlester, nestled in the southeastern part of the state. McAlester is known for its rich football tradition, producing a number of successful players who went on to play at the collegiate and professional levels. For Newberry, football was more than just a sport—it was a way of life. From an early age, he was immersed in the game, watching Oklahoma Sooners football games with his family and dreaming of one day donning the pads himself.
The Oklahoma Sooners, a powerhouse in college football, have a tradition that stretches back over a century. The program has produced numerous national championships, Heisman Trophy winners, and NFL players. Their storied history and fierce rivalry with teams like Texas, Nebraska, and Oklahoma State have made the Sooners one of the most well-known programs in the country. As a child in Oklahoma, Newberry grew up with the Sooners’ iconic crimson and cream uniforms and their boisterous fanbase as a backdrop to his football dreams.
Newberry’s early years were marked by a love of football and a strong sense of community. As a student-athlete at McAlester High School, he excelled on the gridiron. His talent didn’t go unnoticed, and he earned a scholarship to play at the University of Oklahoma, one of the most coveted college football programs in the nation. Though he ultimately didn’t play for the Sooners, his connection to the program and its traditions remained a constant throughout his life.
After his playing days, Newberry turned to coaching, and it wasn’t long before he carved out a name for himself as one of the top defensive minds in college football. His journey took him to several stops, including stints at schools like Western Kentucky, Memphis, and Navy, where his defensive expertise helped elevate the programs he joined. But even as he advanced in his coaching career, Oklahoma never felt too far away. His ties to the state remained strong, and the Sooners were always a team he kept an eye on, no matter where his career took him.
Newberry’s appointment as Navy’s head coach in 2023 was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. He inherited a Navy team that had experienced some challenges in recent seasons, but with his leadership, the Midshipmen began to show signs of progress. Known for his defensive acumen and his emphasis on discipline, Newberry’s approach was exactly what Navy needed to turn the corner. But despite the challenges, Newberry never lost sight of the importance of his roots—Oklahoma remained a source of inspiration and motivation.
As Navy prepared to face the Oklahoma Sooners in 2024, the matchup brought with it a unique opportunity for Newberry to reconnect with his past. For him, the game wasn’t just another opponent on the schedule—it was a chance to reflect on his journey, both as a coach and as a person. It was an opportunity to return to the state that shaped his love for football and to face the team that had been part of his dreams for so long.
In many ways, the matchup is a dream come true for Newberry. It represents the intersection of his past and present, of the small-town boy from McAlester who once idolized the Sooners, and the seasoned coach who has risen through the ranks to become the leader of one of the nation’s most respected programs. For Newberry, the game is not just a contest of X’s and O’s; it’s a deeply personal event that marks a milestone in his coaching career.
Of course, the competition itself will be fierce. The Oklahoma Sooners are a perennial contender in college football, and their roster is filled with high-level talent. Their program is built on a long history of success, and they have the resources and infrastructure to maintain that level of excellence. Facing such a formidable opponent will be no easy task for Navy, but Newberry embraces the challenge. For him, the game against the Sooners is a way to test his coaching abilities and to measure the progress he has made with the Midshipmen since taking over the program.
Newberry’s approach to the game will be rooted in the same principles that have guided his career thus far: hard work, preparation, and a focus on fundamentals. He knows that beating a team like Oklahoma requires not just skill, but also mental toughness and resilience. Navy may not have the same resources or recruiting power as the Sooners, but Newberry believes that with the right mindset and a commitment to executing their game plan, his team has a chance to make a statement on the national stage.
For Newberry, the game against Oklahoma is also an opportunity to reflect on his upbringing and the values that shaped him. Growing up in McAlester, he learned the importance of discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—values that have served him well throughout his life and career. He knows that these same qualities are what will allow Navy to compete against a team like Oklahoma. It’s not about individual talent or flashy plays; it’s about executing the fundamentals and staying true to the team’s identity.
As the game approaches, Newberry is likely feeling a mix of emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and determination. It’s a chance to represent not only Navy, but also the state of Oklahoma that has played such a significant role in his life. In a way, it’s a full-circle moment, a chance for Newberry to give back to the game that gave him so much. And while the outcome of the game will ultimately be determined on the field, one thing is certain: for Brian Newberry, playing the Oklahoma Sooners is more than just another game—it’s a taste of home.
