In this year’s “look back” video as part of the 2023 Victor E. Bash, NIU head coach Thomas Hammock serves as host for the Joe Novak Coaching Tree Reunion. Watch as some of Novak’s most successful proteges – Pitt Head Coach Pat Narduzzi, Arkansas Head Coach Sam Pittman, Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley, Middle Tennessee St. Defensive Coordinator Scott Shafer, Michigan’s Mike Mallory and Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada – come together to talk about their time at NIU. From what they learned to their favorite memories – on and off the field – to what each has taken from their time at NIU on their career journeys, hear the inside stories from the practice field, the coaching staff offices and the locker room that all contributed to building the Huskies’ program.
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It seems like yesterday Coach Novak and Coach Canada were in my parents basement for a home visit during the recruitment process. NIU did a great job bringing in guys that were overlooked from my state of Wisconsin. Coach Hammock was an incredible teammate for a year before he went on to be a GA to busted our butts during winter conditioning "monkey rolls". Coach Staley was a GA during my time in the back of the DB room and I could sense his passion for the game instantly. Coach Shaf I only got coached by you for a couple years but I can honestly say you were the best coach I have ever had even though the hat got tossed at me a few times. Coach Pitt and Narduzzi coached my roommates and I think they can echo my thoughts about coach Shaf from a position standpoint. Coach Novak built an incredible staff and I feel blessed for my time spent at NIU with you all! I honestly think a lot of my success as a leader of a business and family is because of this group. – Dustin Utschig #35
Coach and Carole had a huge impact on me and my wife while at NIU. My first professional job, in a college town I had never heard of, let alone pronounce Dekalb having grown up in the Caolina's. They embraced me along with several coaches I follow today, specially Coach Narduzzi and Coach Pitman. I am a Pitt fan, and I hope XXX can turn that damn jukebox on a bunch in '23.
I loved reading Coach Pitman's wife's narrative on how Coach Novak and NIU reset his career. Two humble coaches.
What I remember so fondly of those days was the belief that we could beat anyone. Believing in the guys assembled around you often pushes you to places you didn’t think were possible further solidifying your belief. Resolve was the product. Coach Joe, his staff, and his teams will always embody the spirit of what what a united belief can accomplish. GOOO HUSKIES!!! ♥️🖤
Glad I watched this. So many memories were rekindled. Pat, Scott, Mike all coached for me; Matt was a QB GA with me at Indiana. Awesome history. Thanks for putting this together.
Man, what a room. The NIU coaching cradle expands to a lot of other amazing names too.
Wow, what a great group of high character coaches. Can't imagine how many lives were impacted in a positive way due to their work. Go Huskies.