A Legend Leaves the Game
The college football community mourns the loss of Joseph Novak, who died at the age of 81. His passing marks the end of an era for a coach whose name became synonymous with the rise of Northern Illinois University’s program.
From 1996 to 2007, Novak steered the Huskies through a period of remarkable transformation. What had been a modest outfit evolved into a competitive force that captured the attention of the Mid‑America Conference and beyond.
Under his guidance the team secured multiple MAC West division titles and broke into national rankings. The 2003 season stands out, when the Huskies climbed as high as 12th in the AP poll and 10th in the BCS standings, a testament to Novak’s strategic acumen.
The following year the squad posted a 9‑3 record and celebrated its first bowl victory in more than two decades, a moment that cemented the coach’s reputation among peers and fans alike.
Novak’s early years shaped his coaching philosophy. A native of Mentor, Ohio, he excelled as a defensive end at Miami University before embarking on a coaching journey that took him through stints at Miami, Illinois and Indiana. His high school roots in Ohio culminated in a state championship with Warren Western Reserve in 1972.
After retiring on November 26, 2007, with a career record of 63 wins and 76 losses at NIU, Novak remained an active presence in university athletics. He contributed to fundraising efforts and other initiatives, ensuring the program’s continued growth.
His contributions earned him places in three halls of fame: the Miami University Athletics Hall of Fame (2007), the Northern Illinois University Athletics Hall of Fame (2013), and the Mid‑American Conference Hall of Fame (2014). These honors reflect both his on‑field success and his off‑field impact.