NIU football coach Joe Novak’s contract was extended three more years through the 2007 season on Thursday.

The 58-year-old Novak will have a $200,000 base salary – about a $60,000 increase from his current salary – plus additional compensation and benefits.

After being an assistant coach from 1980-’83, Novak returned to DeKalb as head coach for the 1996 season.

In his first three seasons at NIU, he incurred a 3-30 overall record that included a 23-game losing streak. From there, NIU has not had a losing season since 1999. The Huskies went 8-4 and 10-2 in the last two seasons and tied for MAC championships in 2001 and 2002. He was named MAC Coach of the Year in 2002.

“Joe Novak is one of the most respected football coaches in the country,” NIU President John Peters said. “In extending his contract, NIU renews its commitment to an individual who not only has elevated the competitiveness of our football program to a high level among Division 1-A schools, but to an individual who places the welfare of the student-athlete and the integrity of the program first.”

Novak originally was hired as head coach in 1995 and then signed a five-year contract extension through the 2004 season in December 1999.

“I am very happy with the commitment that the university has shown to me for the next three years,” Novak said. “We will continue to work hard to make this football program one that the university and our alumni can be proud of.”