Navy fires its football coach

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- Charlie Weatherbie was fired as coach of Navy on Sunday after leading the Midshipmen to a bowl victory five years ago but winning just once in the last 18 games.

Defensive coordinator Rick Lantz was appointed interim coach of the winless Midshipmen.

In six-plus seasons at the Naval Academy, Weatherbie had a record of 30-45. The team had lost 17 of its last 18 games and is 0-7 this season after Saturday's 21-20 loss at Toledo.

"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's career at Navy was highlighted in 1996, when the team went 9-3 and won the Aloha Bowl. In 1997, the team went 7-4, but has won just nine of 41 games since.