NIU has begun a national search for a new head football coach according to a Friday press release. The search was brought on by the departure of Rod Carey who is leaving to accept a the head coaching position at Temple University.

Carey began his NIU career in 2010 as an assistant coach.

Athletic Director Sean T. Frazier thanked Carey for his time at NIU and wished him the best of luck moving forward.

NIU is using an executive search firm to aide in the search as they look at candidates nationwide.

Related: Carey leaves to coach Temple

Frazier said NIU will not have any further update on the search until its conclusionand said the interest level in the position has grown since Temple’s official hiring of Carey.

“As one of the most successful FBS programs in the country, we’ve had significant interest in leading our football program,” Frazier said. “We will put tireless effort into finding the next head coach, with the expectation to continue our championship tradition at NIU.”

In 2018 the Huskies won their fifth MAC Championship with a 30-29 victory over the University of Buffalo Nov. 30. NIU appeared in their tenth bowl game in 11 seasons, a mark that is matched by only one other “Group of Five” football team.

The opportunity for continued success for the next NIU head coach will be there, with the team returning 15 starters for the upcoming season, including seven players on offense and seven on defense.

Carey ended his NIU career with a 52-30 record and six bowl game appearances. Frazier stressed the university’s focus is to continue the success the Huskies had under Carey.

The Huskies will have a new head coach when they open the 2019-2020 season against Illinois State University Aug 31, at Huskie Stadium.