Ed DeChellis, the longtime Navy head coach, has announced his retirement, beginning a new chapter in Midshipmen basketball history.
Ed DeChellis Leaves Navy Basketball After 14 Years
After 426 games as the head men’s basketball coach of the United States Naval Academy, Ed DeChellis retired. While longtime fans of college basketball may not readily know the name, DeChellis carved out a legendary path. In Annapolis, coaches stay longer than most. The job isn’t just Xs and Os; a sense of duty follows.
The majority of DeChellis’ players will answer the call of military service. In defending the nation afterward, the players learn life skills that you cannot see in a textbook. Sometimes, a person’s own words crystallize what they feel helps shed light on a matter. DeChellis’ quote via the Navy website speaks volumes.
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) March 19, 2025
“The Naval Academy represents a set of timeless values that form the bedrock of our nation,” said DeChellis.
“I am proud to have played a small role in advancing those values through sport. I owe a debt of gratitude to all of the players who placed their trust in me and to the talented coaches and other staff members who worked alongside me to help each of our players reach their full potential on and off the court. This program has a bright future, and Kim and I look forward to cheering for the Midshipmen in years to come!”
The coach spent 43 years on the bench. Those long seasons and road trips would take a toll on anyone. Plus, at 66 years old, DeChellis probably wants to enjoy his family more. He literally put in his time. As one gets older, the grind of the season becomes less attractive.
Additionally, DeChellis never became wealthy as a coach. So, rough bus rides and mediocre restaurant fare don’t hit the same. In choosing to walk away, the coach will enjoy every sunrise and will watch the game from the stands or box seats.
Too many coaches work to live, and vice versa. How else do you explain either the burnout or fanatical dedication to a sport that doesn’t always love you back?
This fall, the Navy will celebrate its 120th season playing basketball. For 72 of those, the Middies toiled as independents. Since 1979, the program has enjoyed conference life. From the ECACS and CAA to the Patriot League, the team enjoyed limited success. With just eight tournament appearances, the program struggles to reach 20 wins.
Also, you can completely rule out the transfer portal. For instance, players do not move from Louisville to Annapolis. Those recruiting restrictions hurt, make no mistake. DeChellis understood the rigid program standards.
You will not see athletic, portly Charles Barkley types wandering around campus. On top of that, the academy requires a five-year active duty stay. That applies if you stay longer than two seasons.
Ed DeChellis didn’t get to enjoy a David Robinson-type dominant player. Yet, in the big picture, he won more than most college coaches off the court. His players fought in Afghanistan, stationed around the world on ships and offices.
While the coach finished with a sub-500 record, they realized that the Navy scheduled a tougher team.
The ” iron sharpens iron” standard isn’t just talk. Perhaps the most fitting tribute for DeChellis came at the Patriot League tournament. Navy won two games in the tournament before losing in the semifinals.
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Additionally, the Middies finished 10-8 in conference play during the regular season, which, as mentioned, is a feat of pure sorcery considering the conditions. Coach DeChellis made the basketball program better by his unrelenting joy and appreciation for the game of life.
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