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Legendary Northern Illinois Head Coach Joe Novak Dead at 81
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- Legendary Northern Illinois Head Coach Joe Novak Dead at 81
The Northern Illinois football program lost a legend this week as former head coach Joe Novak passed away. He was 81 years old.
Novak took over Northern Illinois in 1996, right as the team was making the rough transition from Division I FBS football, and successfully navigated them out of those rocky waters and into a serious force. After going 3-30 in his first three seasons, Novak steadily got the team to improve, going 17-16 from 1999 to 2001.
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Then, in 2002, things finally changed for the better. The team enjoyed records of 8-4, 10-2, 9-3 and 7-5, winning MAC division titles three teams in those four years and winning the Silicon Valley Classic over Troy for their first bowl victory in two decades.
His final record at Northern Illinois was 63-76.
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)Getty
Tributes
Northern Illinois fans, players and staff have taken to social media to pay tribute to the fallen Huskies head coach.
"Coach Joe Novak didn't just build a winning football program at NIU - he built men of character, set a new standard of excellence & forever changed the trajectory of Huskie football. Praying for the Novak family. Rest in peace, Coach Novak. Your legacy will never be forgotten," NIU interim head coach Rob Harley wrote in a statement on X.
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"Saddened by Joe's passing. Exceptional human being. He was very kind a young, clueless @dailyherald reporter on the NIU beat in the mid-2000s. His 2003 team still one of my favorites to cover. RIP," ESPN's Adam Rittenberg wrote.
"Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Coach JoeNovak. I was incredibly fortunate to coach alongside him and learn from one of the very best. His leadership, integrity, toughness, and genuine care for his players and staff left a lasting impact on everyone around him. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to work with him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Novak family and all who were blessed to know him. Rest in peace, Coach," Auburn head coach Alex Golesh wrote.
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Our hearts go out to Coach Novak's family and loved ones.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jul 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
