The Naval Academy Athletic Association announced in a statement earlier today that Mladen Stanicic will be “transitioning from his role as the head coach of the Navy water polo team.” The statement does not specify what position Stanicic will be transitioning to.
A volunteer coach with Navy in 1988, Stanicic returned to Annapolis in 2004 and spent the past 13 years with the Midshipmen, the majority of that time as an assistant to former Navy head coach Mike Schofield.
Mike Schofield, Mladen Stanicic
Assuming the Navy coaching reigns mid-season in 2013 when Schofield resigned after one of the most successful careers in intercollegiate water polo history, Stanicic has been Navy head coach the past four years. With an overall record of 73-68 (.518)—including two 9-1 in stints as an interim coach—from 2013 – 2017 he compiled a record of 52-59 (.468) .
Stanicic’s reassignment—coupled with the retirement earlier this month of Jeff Heidmous as Air Force head coach after 25 seasons—means that both U.S. military academies will be in the market for new coaches going into the 2018 season.
“Thirteen years as a varsity coach at the Naval Academy brings with it many experiences and leadership opportunities that have benefited hundreds of our Midshipmen,” Director of Athletics Chet Gladchuk said in a statement on the Navy Athletics website.
“I am extremely grateful for Mladen’s many contributions over the years and the impact he has made on the Yard, as not only a varsity coach, but as a respected educator. His warm and embracing personality has always been very much appreciated as well as his determination to achieve success and represent the Academy with the highest degree of honor, determination, and integrity. All within our community should extend their appreciation for his contributions on many fronts.”
Much of Stanicic’s identity with the Midshipmen was shaped by his association with Schofield, who in 29 seasons (1985-2013) as Navy head coach compiled a record of 630-243 and remains the school’s all-time winningest coach in any sport. Taking the helm of Navy polo on September 26, 2013, Stanicic led Navy to a 12-8 record in 2013. For his efforts he was recognized as the 2013 CWPA Southern Division Coach of the Year. Stanicic steered the Midshipmen to winning campaigns in 2014 and 2015.
The past two seasons have seen the once-proud Navy program fall on hard times. An 8-18 record in 2016 was followed this year by 10-16, including 1-9 in Mid-Atlantic Water Polo Conference play.
CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect information provided by Loretta Lamar, Senior Associate Athletic Director/SWA & General Counsel, Naval Academy Athletic Association that Mladen Stanicic remains the Navy head coach until a new coach is hired. He will then transition to a non-coaching position in the department.