The Navy football team began spring practice Monday without one of its longest-tenured assistant coaches.

Offensive line coach Chris Culton is taking a leave of absence because of health reasons, Midshipmen coach Ken Niumatalolo confirmed. Culton, who has been with the program for 14 years, declined to specify the nature of the illness when contacted by Baltimore Sun Media Group on Monday.

However, Culton said the situation was similar to when he was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and had to undergo treatments.

Asked if he hoped to return to coaching when August camp begins, Culton responded “Yes, if I can get this under control. Health is going to come first.”

Bryce McDonald, who just completed his fifth season as Navy’s director of football operations, is helping coach the offensive line in Culton’s absence. McDonald is a former Navy football player who initially rejoined the program as Military Liaison Officer. Niumatalolo did not hesitate when asked why he moved McDonald from a support staff role into an on-field coaching role.

“First and foremost, Bryce knows our culture. He recognizes what it means to be a midshipman, recognizes what it means to be a student-athlete here at the academy,” he said.

“I know Bryce has the proper demeanor to be a coach. He’s led men into battle. He knows exactly what leadership is all about,” Niumatalolo added. “He has been at my side for eight years so I know exactly who he is as a person, the type of work ethic he has.”

Former head coach Paul Johnson brought Culton to Navy in 2003 as fullbacks coach. He had played for Johnson at Georgia Southern and served as a student assistant after suffering a career-ending neck injury.

Culton remained at Navy after Johnson left for Georgia Tech after the 2008 season and has coached the offensive line under Niumatalolo. He was responsible for tutoring the tackles while fellow offensive line coach Ashley Ingram worked with the centers and guards.

“Chris Culton has been a huge, huge part of our program. He’s done a great job coaching, a great job recruiting.” Niumatalolo said. “It’s a tough situation for Chris and his family, but we’re hoping for the best.”

Niumatalolo was non-committal when asked if Culton would rejoin the coaching staff in the fall. “That’s to be determined,” the 10th-year head coach said.

FootballScoop.com reported Friday that Navy was set to hire former player Brian Blick as director of football operations. If that report is accurate, it would signal that McDonald is to remain in a coaching capacity.

Navy must also find a new director of player personnel to replace Sean Magee, who left last month to take the same position at Michigan. Niumatalolo indicated he has settled on some new hires and announcements would be forthcoming.

“We pretty much have a plan in place. We have to finalize everything and make sure it’s all official before we announce stuff,” he said.

bwagner@capgaznews.com

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