When it was announced that NIU head coach Jerry Pettibone had accepted the head coaching position at Oregon State, player reactions ranged from surprise to approval.

Fullback Adam Dach is happy for Pettibone but a little disconcerted.

“I’m really happy for him. It looks like a step up, a promotion for him,” Dach said. “I’m happy for his family and his career. He’s not only one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, but he’s also one of the greatest people I’ve ever been around.”

“But I hate to see him go. He was one of the main reasons I came here. I came to play for him and his philosophies.”

Free safety Jeff Geary was one of the surprised who came to the team meeting Monday afternoon to hear the news.

“It was definitely a surprise to me,” he said. “I found out Monday that he went to Oregon State for a job interview, and the next day he’s gone. All of a sudden we don’t have a coach.”

Defensive end Scott Van Bellinger understands why Pettibone was looking for a new job.

“You can’t blame him for leaving. I don’t think anybody can blame him for leaving,” he said. “He’s got no fan support here. He can go there, make more money, be in a conference and have a lot better facilities than we’ve got here.

“It stinks for me because I’m a senior. I’ve got one year left and I’ve got to come in here with a new coach after four years with Pettibone. There’s not much I can do about it though.”

“I’ll wait and see who (Athletic Director Gerald) O’Dell brings in here,” Dach said. “If it’s a similar philosophy, then I’d be stupid to transfer. The only reason I would transfer would be if the coach came in and decided to pass the ball 50-60 times a game. But I really don’t think (transferring) is an option. That would be a worst-case scenario.”