Northern Illinois Football: A Tradition of Grit and Glory
Northern Illinois University (NIU) football has long been a program built on perseverance, hard work, and the unshakable belief in its potential. From humble beginnings to producing notable NFL players, NIU football has carved out its place in the annals of college football. In this article, we take a closer look at the history, key players, and future prospects of the Huskies football program.
1. A Brief History of NIU Football
Northern Illinois University, located in DeKalb, Illinois, first fielded a football team in 1899. Although the early years were modest, the program steadily gained recognition in collegiate athletics. Throughout the 20th century, NIU transitioned through various divisions, starting from small college status to eventually joining the Mid-American Conference (MAC) in 1975.
In the early 2000s, NIU football started gaining national attention. Under coach Joe Novak, the Huskies produced several winning seasons and earned bowl appearances, cementing their status as a respected mid-major program.
2. The Joe Novak Era: Building the Foundation
The Huskies’ rise to prominence began in earnest when Joe Novak took over as head coach in 1996. Although his early seasons were marked by struggles, Novak’s persistence eventually paid off. His tenure saw a dramatic turnaround for NIU, highlighted by the 2003 season when the Huskies went 10-2 and defeated two ranked teams: Maryland and Alabama.
Novak’s ability to recruit under-the-radar talent and develop them into formidable players was crucial in laying the foundation for NIU’s future success. His influence set the stage for the program’s modern-day competitiveness in the MAC.
3. Jerry Kill and Dave Doeren: Continuing Success
After Novak’s retirement in 2007, Jerry Kill took over as head coach, guiding the Huskies to multiple winning seasons and bowl appearances. Kill’s tenure included a MAC West Division title in 2010, as well as significant improvements in recruiting and player development. His success led to his departure for the University of Minnesota, but the groundwork for sustained success was already in place.
Following Kill, Dave Doeren assumed the reins and continued NIU’s ascent. Under his leadership, the Huskies won back-to-back MAC championships in 2011 and 2012. The 2012 season was particularly notable as NIU became the first MAC team to earn a berth in a Bowl Championship Series (BCS) game, competing in the Orange Bowl against Florida State.
4. Notable Players and NFL Success
Throughout its history, NIU has produced numerous players who have gone on to play in the NFL. Some of the most notable names include:
- Michael Turner: One of NIU’s most famous alumni, Turner was a dominant running back for the Huskies before having a successful NFL career, most notably with the Atlanta Falcons.
- Chandler Harnish: A standout quarterback during Dave Doeren’s tenure, Harnish led the Huskies to several MAC championships and was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts.
- Kenny Golladay: Golladay, a wide receiver, had a breakout season at NIU before being drafted by the Detroit Lions. He quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top wideouts.
- Jordan Lynch: A dual-threat quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist in 2013, Lynch was instrumental in NIU’s success during the early 2010s. Though his NFL career was brief, his impact at NIU was legendary.
5. NIU Football Today: Embracing New Challenges
In recent years, NIU football has continued to be a contender in the MAC under head coach Thomas Hammock. Hammock, a former NIU player and running backs coach, took over the program in 2019 and is focused on rebuilding the team to its championship level.
While NIU has faced its share of ups and downs, including rebuilding seasons, the program’s ethos of hard work and grit remains unchanged. NIU continues to be a force within the MAC, competing regularly for division titles and bowl game appearances.
6. The Future of NIU Football
Looking ahead, Northern Illinois football remains poised for future success. The program’s ability to recruit talent from across the Midwest, coupled with its established tradition of player development, suggests that the Huskies will continue to compete at a high level in the MAC.
With a history of resilience and perseverance, NIU football embodies the spirit of mid-major success, where determination and hard work often outshine bigger programs. As the Huskies continue to embrace new challenges, one thing is certain: NIU football is here to stay.
7. Conclusion: A Program Built on Grit
Northern Illinois University football has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Through decades of perseverance, the Huskies have become a competitive force in college football. With a history of producing NFL talent and competing in marquee bowl games, NIU football continues to thrive. Fans can look forward to more exciting seasons as the Huskies push for more MAC championships and national recognition.