Navy held a formal press conference to announce its decision to move to the Big East Conference as a football-only member starting in 2015. Navy coach Ken Niumataolo said that while the program may be "biting off more than we could chew," the decision had to be made given the current landscape of college football.
Via CBS Sports' Brett McMurphy:
Navy's Niumatalolo: "Drift b/w haves & have nots was increasing & we wanted to be one of the haves. Glad they gave us a ticket to the dance"
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyCBS) January 24, 2012
The Midshipmen have been an independent since beginning play in the 1870s, but the allure of a BCS conference seemed too tough to pass up. The Midshipmen have been a successful program that had made eight straight bowl appearances prior to this season.
Keep up with the latest news and notes on the conference expansion whirlwind, with SB Nation's comprehensive conference realignment coverage. And for more fan perspective on the Big East, head to our blog Big East Coast Bias.