Joe Novak coached the Northern Illinois football team for 12 seasons, and the former Huskie head coach will be on hand for the 13th annual Brigham Gridiron Classic.

The event, which takes place Friday, July 25 at St. Andrews Golf and Country Club in West Chicago, will mark the unofficial send off for Novak, who retired after the 2007 season.

“It will be great,” Said P.J. Fleck, a former Huskie wide receiver and current receivers coach and recruiting coordinator. “Obviously coach Novak has done so much for this program. NIU would not be NIU without coach Novak.”

Participants in the event will be able to talk with Fleck and other NIU football alums. First-year head coach Jerry Kill and Athletic Director Jeff Compher will also be on hand.

Officially becoming a retiree on July 1, Novak overcame a 3-30 start to his coaching career and led the Huskies to seven-straight winning seasons. Novak also led the team to bowl games in 2004 and 2006.

“It’s honestly the first time the Brigham’s been held without Joe Novak being the head coach,” said Senior Associate AD for Development Tim McMurray. “He was a transformational figure for NIU football.”

The event starts at 7:45 a.m. with a continental breakfast, and play begins at 8:45 a.m. After the golfing is over, fans will hear from Novak, Compher, and Kill during a barbecue lunch.

The cost of the event is $125 per person, $400 per foursome. All proceeds will benefit the Huskie football program. Non-golfers are able to come enjoy lunch and hear from Novak, Compher, and Kill for $40.

Fans can register at NIUHuskies.com or by calling the Huskie Athletic Scholarship Fund at 815-753-1923.