Northern Illinois IS a BCS Team Years in the Making

From the Dec. 11, 2012, USA Today by Paul Myerburg.

With apologies to the Kirkster who wouldn't agree.

In 1996, a new coach arrived at NIU by the name of Joe Novak and found facilities for the football program even worse than that of some high school teams.  His words to Northern, "Listen, I need some time.  I need to this the right way."  He was taking over a team with five consecutive losing years.

He proceeded to lose 26 of his first 27 games (year one 1-11, year two 0-12, year three 2-10.  Believe me, these were three hard years to be a Huskie fan and on top of five previous losing years.)  But, NIU showed patience ( a whole lot more than NC State with their coach.  I don't think Novak would have lasted too long with the Wolfpack.)


NOVAK'S HARD WORK AND DETERMINATION PAYS OFF

Even Novak considered Northern the worst in the country the first two years he coached.  In his fourth season, NIU won five games and then ran off seven consecutive winning seasons from 2000 to 2006.  And that included a ten-win season in 2003 with victories over Iowa State, a ranked Maryland team and biggest of all, a win over ALABAMA!!!  (And, believe it or not, no BCS invitation, or, for that matter, any bowl game at all!!)

His foundation has lived on through the next two coaches who, even though one for sure, Jerry Kill, built an even better team (his successor Doeren, may have built a better team as he was using Kill's players mostly).  The last two combined for five years before Doerening it for more prestige and money.

This is a huge problem at Mid-Majors like Northern.  Any success and you have to start looking for a new coach as the Big Boys grab him right up.  That doesn't build up much of a foundation.

More power to Joe Novak for sticking around and building a team and a program.  It is to him that we owe our thanks.

Thank You, Joe.  --"The Joke" RoadDog