Northern Illinois' Joe Novak Retires

It's not going to grab the headlines like the coaching vacancies at Michigan, Nebraska, or Arkansas, but Northern Illinois will be starting a search for a new head coach today as well. Joe Novak has retired as head coach of the Huskies.

"People have always said you'll know when it's time and I promise you, I know it's time," Novak said at a news conference. "Selfishly, it's time for my wife and I. It's been a great, great ride but it's time."

I'm sure a 2-10 record isn't how Novak wanted to go out, but it's not what he'll be remembered for. Novak took over as head coach of the Huskies 12 years ago, and during his tenure he turned a perennial doormat into an actual program.

The Huskies had seven consecutive winning seasons under Novak from 2000 to 2006, and also made two bowl appearances, going 1-1 in those two games. They were also ranked as high as #12 in the AP poll back in 2003 after consecutive wins against ranked opponents Maryland and Alabama.

As of now the leading candidates to take over for Novak in DeKalb are current Notre Dame offensive coordinator Mike Haywood, Illinois offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, and former Cincinnati head coach and defensive coordinator at Notre Dame, Rick Minter.