NIU gained a new offensive coordinator on March 4 when head coach Joe Novak appointed John Bond, formerly an offensive coordinator at Army, to lead the Huskies’ offense. He replaces former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who departed for Indiana University. Bond answered some questions for the Northern Star on Wednesday.

Northern Star: What about NIU and the football program interested you?

John Bond: Joe Novak is certainly an icon in the coaching profession, so I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to work with someone of his stature. Also, I coached two of the assistants here, [running backs coach] DeAndre Smith at Southwest Missouri State and [wide receivers coach] Marquis Mosely at Illinois State, so I thought it would be a lot of fun to work with them. And, of course, the opportunity to perennially compete for a conference championship. There were many, many factors that went into my decision.

NS: I notice you have a bit of a Southern accent. Where are you from?

JB: I’m from Arkansas. I’m glad you noticed that. I’m trying not to lose it.

NS: What do you think brought you to NIU?

JB: I have a pretty decent background in throwing the football and I’ve been an offensive coordinator for the past eight years, so I think that intrigued the staff here. I’ve called a lot of plays, and I have a lot of experience.

NS: Obviously the offense has a huge void to fill with Michael Turner departing. What can you say about your running backs?

JB: I tell you what, I’m as excited about this group of guys as any group I’ve been around, and it’s not just A.J. Harris. We should have an excellent, excellent backfield. All our backs bring a variety of things to the table. We’ve got big, bruising guys who can wear down defenses and shorter backs who are fast and can change angles in a heartbeat. All of our guys can make things happen in a hurry.

NS: In recent times NIU has used a single-back attack. Will that continue under you?

JB: There are a lot of ways to skin the cat, so to speak. With a one-back attack, we believe that we can spread defenders out a bit more and expose people a bit more with multiple movements and multiple formations. Have we experimented with two backs? Definitely, and we will have some sort of a two-back package in the fall. But we will still line up the majority of the time with one back.

NS: What family do you have?

JB: I have a wife, Jenny, and a 22-month-old named Mackenzie. We have another baby coming on July 6.

NS: How does your wife handle all the travel?

JB: We’ve only been married three years, so she hasn’t traveled too much yet. This is her third stop if you count the courtship at ISU. She’s been a real trooper, though. We try to focus on the positives. The relationships you make in this business are really priceless and you get to be around some outstanding young men.

NS: Army has had some tough times recently. What’s it been like to be around a successful program here?

JB: You don’t have any idea how nice it is. I’m like a little kid at Christmas. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to win a conference championship. That’s our goal and we’re not ashamed to say it: We want to win the MAC.

NS: I’m sure football takes up a lot of your time, but what are some of your off-the-field interests and hobbies?

JB: I love to bird-hunt – pheasant, quail, duck. I love to fish as well. Those are the two things I like to do when I get some free time and I can get away for a little bit.