Joe Novak: key obituary facts
Is Joe Novak dead? Yes. Joe Novak died on July 28, 2026, at age 81.
Cause of death: Joe Novak's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Joe Novak known for?
He was an American football player and coach.
More about Joe Novak
Born: 19 April 1945.
Gender: male.
Occupation: head coach, American football player.
Nationality: United States.
Education: Miami University.
Joe Novak, an American football player and coach, died on July 28, 2026, aged 81.
He served as head football coach at Northern Illinois University from 1996 to 2007, compiling a 63–76 record. Novak played college football as a defensive end at Miami University under head coach Bo Schembechler before beginning his coaching career in the high school ranks.
He later worked as an assistant coach at Miami, the University of Illinois, Northern Illinois and Indiana University.