ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Navy fired football coach Charlie Weatherbie on Sunday, one day after the team's 17th loss in 18 games.
Navy came close at Toledo, but a 21-20 setback that dropped the team to 0-7 ultimately did in Weatherbie. Defensive coordinator Rick Lantz was named interim coach.
"This season, unsuccessful to date, has led us to the conclusion that the Midshipmen clearly need a new perspective and consequently new leadership," athletic director Chet Gladchuk said.
Weatherbie went 30-45 in six-plus seasons at the Naval Academy, losing 17 of 18 games and 32 of 41 since going 7-4 in 1997. In his second season, the Midshipmen capped a 9-3 year with an Aloha Bowl triumph.
A combined 4-9 mark against Army (3-3) and Air Force (1-6) did not help Weatherbie, who said he enjoyed his time in Annapolis.
"While we weren't able to achieve more success during the past two years in terms of our won-loss record, I am extremely proud of our players' and staff's efforts on and off he field," he added.
Gladchuk said Sunday's move allows the school "to invite and recruit interest from the coaching community for this important position."
Lantz returned to Navy this season after spending 15 years as defensive coordinator at Louisville and Virginia. He has never been a head coach.
"We are going to give it everything we have to win these last three football games," said Lantz, whose squad next hosts Tulane on November 10. "I want these seniors to go out on a winning note."
Navy then visits Notre Dame before closing the season December 1 with its annual battle against Army.
