Navy Football: New OC Drew Cronic Officially Announced

Following Mercer University's announcement that Drew Cronic had resigned his post as Head Football Coach of the Bears to join Brian Newberry's staff at Navy,

© Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports

Following Mercer University's announcement that Drew Cronic had resigned his post as Head Football Coach of the Bears to join Brian Newberry's staff at Navy, Navy Athletics confirmed the news on Wednesday with an official announcement of Cronic's hiring.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Drew and his family to Navy,” Newberry said in a statement released by the United States Naval Academy. “Coach Cronic is an outstanding person and one of the most well respected, creative and innovative coaches in the business. He’s had great success as an offensive coordinator and as a head coach everywhere he’s been. He cares deeply about his players and has had a significant impact on the lives of the young men he’s coached. I am thrilled to have him on our staff and to lead our offensive unit.”

Cronic, a Georgia native, ran variations of the option offense throughout his career. At Mercer, he led them to their first FCS playoff berth in 2023. 

“It’s an honor and a privilege to join Coach Newberry’s staff at the premier Service Academy in the country,” Cronic said in Navy's statement. “My family and I are excited about the opportunity to work with the future leaders of our country and the great coaching staff that Coach Newberry has assembled. I am looking forward to the challenge of winning the Commander-In-Chief’s Trophy and competing for the American Athletic Conference Championship.”

Cronic is scheduled to meet with members of the media virtually on Thursday afternoon.