DEKALB, Ill. (WTVOW/WQRF) — 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.
The decals have Novak's initials on them, plus dog bones which represent the Boneyard Victories the Huskies claim when they defeat Power Conference schools and major independents. The decals also have the letters T-H-W standing for 'The Hard Way', the blue-collar culture that Novak brought to NIU.
Novak coach NIU from 1996-2007. He coached NIU to four MAC West Division championships. Novak ranks second in NIU history in games coached (139) and third in wins with 63.
Novak passed away July 28 of this year. NIU will open its season this Saturday afternoon at Iowa.