Joe Novak, former Indiana football defensive coordinator, dies at 81
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 4:41 PM
Last updated Jul 30, 2026
Joe Novak, a significant figure in college football and defensive coordinator for Indiana from 1984 to 1995, has passed away at 81. During his tenure, the Hoosiers reached six bowl games, marking one of the program's most successful eras. After his time in Bloomington, Novak coached Northern Illinois for 12 seasons, transforming the program into a competitive force. Tributes from former players and coaches have flooded social media, reflecting his profound impact on the sport and his athletes.
- •Joe Novak served as Indiana's defensive coordinator from 1984 to 1995.
- •He helped the Hoosiers reach six bowl games during his tenure.
- •After Indiana, Novak coached at Northern Illinois for 12 seasons.
- •Tributes highlight his impact on players' character and success.
- •He passed away earlier this week at the age of 81.
- 4:41 PMYahoo Sports — Joe Novak, Indiana football defensive coordinator in '80s and '90s, dies at 81
"Remembering Joe Novak, a longtime Indiana defensive coordinator and Hoosier legend.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAF•Jul 30, 2026, 6:22 PMWhittingham wants focus on football, not drama
NCAAF•Jul 30, 2026, 5:51 PMUW QB Williams ready to go after near transfer- NCAAF•Jul 30, 2026, 5:36 PMBig Ten’s Tony Petitti says Indiana football was disrespected after 2024
- NCAAF•Jul 30, 2026, 5:36 PMRanking SEC college football helmets: Where do Longhorns land?
- NCAAF•Jul 30, 2026, 5:30 PMBig 12 team preview: Nowhere to go but up for woeful Oklahoma State football program in 2026
- NCAAF•Jul 30, 2026, 5:22 PMMatt Rhule says peers to blame for broken college football narrative
