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Northern Illinois University Huskies honor late coach Joe Novak with helmet decals

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 3, 2026, 5:01 AM

Last updated Sep 3, 2026

Northern Illinois University Huskies honor late coach Joe Novak with helmet decals

Summary

Northern Illinois University announced the football team will wear commemorative helmet decals this season to honor former head coach Joe Novak. The decals feature the coach's initials alongside dog bones representing the program's Boneyard Victories, which signify wins over Power Conference schools and major independents. The design also includes the letters T-H-W to reflect the team's motto, The Hard Way, established during the coach's tenure. Novak led the program from 1996 through 2007, securing four MAC West Division titles and 63 total victories. He remains second in school history for total games coached with 139 appearances. Novak passed away on July 28. The Huskies are scheduled to open their upcoming season this Saturday afternoon against Iowa.

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By the Numbers

•The Huskies will display decals on their helmets this season to honor Joe Novak.
•Decal designs include initials, dog bones for Boneyard Victories, and The Hard Way motto.
•Joe Novak served as head coach of Northern Illinois University from 1996 to 2007.
•The team opens its 2026 season on Saturday at Iowa.
•Joe Novak died on July 28.

Latest Updates

5:01 AMYahoo Sports — NIU Huskies will honor late coach Joe Novak with helmet decals

What they're saying

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Former head coach Joe Novak will be remembered every time the Northern Illinois University Huskies take the field this fall. NIU has announced its players will have decals on their helmets honoring the memory of the late former coach.
— Yahoo Sports

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