Mountain West’s cable channel shutting down after six years

By Ben KerchevalApr 5, 2012, 9:34 PM EDT

Okay, technically it’s called “The Mtn” — abbreviated for “The Mountain” — but saying “The Mtn” was shutting down somehow made me think Mountain Dew was going to stop production or something and I panicked.

Anyway, the Mountain West’s cable channel is shutting down after six years and will go dark on May 31, the Sports Business Daily reports. The channel’s employees were reportedly notified today and CBS Sports could wind up with the media rights for basketball and football. The Mtn is currently under split ownership by CBS Sports Network and Comcast Sports Network.

The Idaho Statesman also has a good write-up on what that means for MWC teams in 2012.

The move to shut down the network isn’t all that surprising given the uncertainty surrounding the future of the MWC. The MWC and Conference USA have worked together for several months to try to achieve some level of security in times of realignment. Merging the conferences and keeping them separate are still options at this time. Also no shocker is the fact that the two conferences will go the route that produces the highest TV deal.

A decision on the future of C-USA and the MWC was reported to be made some time this month.

Former Navy coach Niumatalolo joins UCLA staff

Associated PressMar 31, 2023, 6:34 PM EDT

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LOS ANGELES – Former Navy coach Ken Niumatalolo is joining UCLA’s coaching staff as director of leadership.

The school said in an announcement Friday that Niumatalolo will serve as an advisor to the Bruins’ football staff and players.

Niumatalolo led Navy for 15 years and was the winningest coach in school history at 109-83. The Midshipmen, however, finished with losing records the past three seasons, including 4-8 the past two.

Navy played in 10 bowl games under Niumatalolo. He also was the only coach to win his first eight games in the storied Army-Navy rivalry.

Troy, Jon Sumrall agree to new 4-year contract through 2026

Associated PressMar 27, 2023, 8:45 PM EDT

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TROY, Ala. ⁠— Jon Sumrall agreed to a new four-year contract as Troy’s coach after leading the Trojans to a Sun Belt Conference championship and national ranking in his debut season.

The school announced the deal, which runs through 2026, but didn’t release details.

The Trojans went 12-2 and won their final 11 games, second only to national champion Georgia, including the league championship game and the Cure Bowl against UTSA. For the first time, they finished a season ranked, ending up 19th in The Associated Press Top 25.

“When we appointed Coach Sumrall in December 2021, we challenged him to return Troy football to the top of the Sun Belt Conference,” Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. said. “It didn’t take long, as the 2022 season was the best in our FBS history.”

Troy held all 14 of its opponents to under their season average in scoring, beating UTSA 18-12. The Trojans beat Coastal Carolina 45-26 in the Sun Belt title game.

“Last year was an amazing accomplishment for everyone associated with Troy football and was the product of relentless effort from our players and staff, athletic administration and university leaders,” Sumrall said.