Legendary NIU football coach Joe Novak dies at 81

Joe Novak, the iconic former head football coach of Northern Illinois University, passed away on July 28 at the age of 81. Novak coached the NIU football team from 1996 to 2007, achieving 63 wins and leading the Huskies to two bowl games. He was inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2013 and the MAC Hall of Fame in 2014. Novak's tenure included seven consecutive winning seasons from 2000 to 2006 and a MAC Coach of the Year honor in 2003. His contributions have left a lasting impact on both the university and its athletes.

• 8:30 PMYahoo Sports — Legendary NIU head football coach Joe Novak dies at 81