“Coach Joe Novak didn’t just build a winning football program at NIU – he built men of character, set a new standard of excellence & forever changed the trajectory of Huskie football. Shaw Local file photo – NIU Head Football Coach Joe Novak stands in front of celebrating Huskies in this undated photo. Former NIU head coach Joe Novak talks to the fans about the Mallory Cup and coach Bill Mallory in DeKalb. Coach Novak, NIU Athletics Director Jim Phillips and the Huskies are the guests for an NIU Football Celebration being held Tuesday at Starbuster's Bar and Grill. “Coach Joe Novak wasn’t just an incredible football coach, he was an incredible person.