San Jose State is in the process of finalizing an agreement to appoint former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo as the Spartans' new head coach, replacing Brent Brennan, according to two individuals familiar with the negotiations. The sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity, revealed that the deal is pending university approval and other final details.

ESPN was the first to report that San Jose State had identified Ken Niumatalolo as its primary candidate for head coach. 

Niumatalolo, who holds the record as Navy's all-time winningest coach with a 109-83 record over 15 seasons, was dismissed following the 2022 Army-Navy game. While at Navy, his teams were known for utilizing the triple-option offense. However, Niumatalolo has mentioned that if given another head coaching opportunity, he would likely shift away from the heavily run-focused approach.

Last season, Niumatalolo served in an off-field capacity at UCLA under head coach Chip Kelly, but was promoted to tight ends coach after the season concluded.

San Jose State is now searching for a successor to Brent Brennan, who departed after seven seasons to take the head coaching job at Arizona. Under Brennan, the Spartans made bowl appearances in three of the last four years, finishing the 2023 season with a 7-6 record.