With the Jerry Pettibone era coming to an end, the search for a successor is on the horizon.

NIU Athletic Director Gerald O’Dell announced Wednesday that the next NIU head football coach should be determined by the end of Christmas break.

“We’d like to have someone hired by the 11th or 12th of January,” O’Dell said. “We feel this would allow for minimal disruption of the football program.”

O’Dell has scheduled a group meeting Thursday with Pettibone’s assistant coaches. The AD has also planned to meet with the assistants on an individual basis Friday. Each coach will be considered for the head coaching position if they are not offered a job at Pettibone’s new home, Oregon State.

“At this point, we would consider any or all of the people on the staff,” O’Dell said. “But, we will definitely go on a national search also.”

Other coaches around the country realize O’Dell’s national hunt. O’Dell said a dozen people have already contacted NIU about the vacancy. O’Dell didn’t specify any names, but he did say that “only three to four of the calls are considered vital candidates,” meaning three to four of the inquirers are prominent, high-profile assistants at major Division I-A institutions.

One name that is on the list is NIU defensive coordinator Tim McGuire. Pettibone is coming back to DeKalb Thursday night, and by Friday his staff positions at OSU should be settled. McGuire would welcome the position of NIU head coach if offered.

“I already have submitted my name to Mr. O’Dell. Whatever he sees fit from there will take place,” McGuire said.