DeKALB | After losing four members of his coaching staff, Joe Novak continues to fill the holes.

Novak announced Thursday that Hampton University offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Chris Beatty has joined the Huskies as an assistant coach and running backs coach.

“Chris is a very sharp young coach and he brings new ideas and new perspective to our offensive coaching staff,” Novak said. “He has had success at every level of football and we’re excited to have him join us.”

In Beatty, the Huskies acquire a coach well versed in high-powered offense. Beatty joins NIU after leading Hampton to a 10-2 overall record and a berth in the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs in 2006, a season in which the Pirates ranked seventh in scoring offense in the FCS, averaging 34.2 points per game. Beatty’s offense produced the Mideastern Athletic Conference’s all-time leading rusher, Alonzo Coleman, who rushed for 1,052 yards last season. Three of Hampton’s starting offensive players last season were invited to this week’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis.

“I’m really excited to be here and anxious to continue the tradition of great running backs at Northern Illinois,” Beatty said. “I have had a chance to see NIU on television over the last several years and their success, their ability to win big games and pull some major upsets under Coach Novak definitely attracted me to this position.”

With Beatty on board, along with new wide receivers coach P.J. Fleck and offensive line coach Harold Etheridge, Novak has filled three of the four vacancies on his offensive coaching staff. The Huskies continue to search for a new offensive coordinator.