The string of winning at Navy now has the subplot of a succession plan with the departure of Paul Johnson, who will begin his first spring at Georgia Tech after building Navy into a momentous success.

The plan for new coach Ken Niumatalolo, who was an assistant under Johnson, isn't complicated: Don't try to fix what isn't in need of repair.

"I've never been one to worry about putting my stamp on the program," Niumatalolo said as he opened his first spring camp as a head coach. "I want to do what's best for the program."

That means the triple-option offense that has led the Midshipmen to the top of the national rushing stats for the last three years will stay. It also means the new coach hopes to emulate the old coach -- and win. Navy has been to five straight bowl games.

It was a matter of time before Johnson left, but he laid the foundation and left cornerstones in place for the winning to continue -- and that means dominance over Army and Air Force in the all-important battle for the Commander-In-Chief's Trophy.

"We don't want to get complacent (in that area)," says Niumatalolo.

One thing uncertain as spring ball started was the program's bowl future. On a run of five straight, the Middies didn't have a contract for a sixth and, as an independent, were in danger of being on the outside looking in without a guaranteed slot.

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