Jerry Pettibone is back in DeKalb Friday to meet with his former assistant coaches, his players and the media before returning to his new stomping grounds in Oregon.

Two days after accepting the football head coaching duties at Oregon State University, Pettibone returns to the town and university that have been his home since 1985.

“I think most people understand how I feel about Northern Illinois University,” Pettibone said. “Believe me, six years ago it was the easiest decision I have ever made to accept the head football job at NIU.

“It was a great opportunity then and still is now. Now this (leaving) is the most difficult decision of all.”

“I feel strongly that the football program is on sound footing,” Pettibone added in a press release issued by NIU after the official announcement of Pettibone’s departure. “Our staff has done a good job establishing the right kind of values for our student-athletes. Things are in good shape.