Former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says, God willing, Michigan football ‘will return to its glory days’

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Thanks to the Internet, everybody can fancy themselves as an expert and spread their collective wisdom to the masses, especially, it seems, when it comes to the sport of college football.  Which brings us to Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Ahmadinejad served as the president of Iran from 2005-2013 and is infamous for, among other things, calling for Israel to be wiped off the map and claiming during a speech in front of the United States General Assembly that the United States government was behind the 9/11 attacks.  He’s also called the Holocaust a myth as well as decried for an appalling human rights record during his presidency.

With that as a backdrop, Ahmadinejad, for whatever reason, dipped his toes into the world of college football when, in response to a tweet from a Michigan football fan in September, the former president predicted Tuesday the Wolverines “will return to its glory days.” Provided they have “a hard work ethic,” of course.

(According to Merriam-Webster.com, “Inshallah” means “if Allah wills” or “God willing.”)

So, the sixth-ranked Wolverines, with rival Michigan State on tap this weekend, have the confidence of Ahmadinejad.  Whether that’s something they want or need is another matter entirely.

Former Navy coach Niumatalolo joins UCLA staff

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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

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Reinhold Matay/USA TODAY Sports
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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.