Navy head coach Ken Niumatalolo was faced with a dilemma when he learned that offensive line coach Chris Culton would take a leave of absence due to medical reasons.
It was about a month before spring practice was due to start. Niumatalolo had to figure out how he could find someone to fill in that knew the triple-option offense well enough to work with linemen. He also needed to understood Navy's unique culture.
Niumatalolo didn't need to look further than the office located almost adjacent to his own. Bryce McDonald, Navy's veteran Director of Football Operations, possessed all the traits the 10th-year head coach was looking for.