Saint John's University

Novak finished his 26th season as an assistant coach for the Johnnies in 2025.

Novak completed his second year as the Johnnies' defensive coordinator in 2025 as SJU (10-2, 8-1 MIAC) recorded its 27th 10-win season and made its 34th postseason appearance (30th in Division III). The Johnnies ended the regular season fourth in NCAA Division III in scoring defense (8.8 ppg.); fifth in total defense (203.0 ypg.); seventh in passing defense (135.3 ypg.); and 11th in both first downs allowed (126) and red-zone defense (.611, 11-for-18).

After an All-American playing career, Novak coached linebackers for 12 seasons. He transitioned to the offensive side of the ball to coach running backs in 2012, only to return to the defensive side of the ball in 2013. Novak was promoted to co-defensive coordinator prior to the 2014 SJU football season and assumed the full role following the retirement of Jerry Haugen '76 in 2024.

The Johnnies accrued a 245-53 (.822) record, including a 174-29 (.857) mark in the MIAC, with 19 NCAA appearances 13 MIAC championships during his tenure on staff (since 2000). Since becoming a full-time member of the SJU football coaching staff in 2014, the program went 113-19 (.856) overall and 81-8 (.910) in the MIAC with 10 NCAA appearances and six MIAC titles. Individually, the Johnnies totaled 35 All-American honors and 103 All-MIAC first-team selections on the defensive side of the ball.

As a star linebacker for SJU from 1996-99, the Becker, Minn., native was named the MIAC Most Valuable Player in 1999 and was a two-time, first-team All-American. The Johnnies posted a 39-8 (32-4 MIAC) record during his four years as a student-athlete with three trips to the NCAA playoffs and three MIAC titles. Novak is currently tied for the program record in single-season tackles for loss (22.0 in 1998), second in career solo tackles (153), third in career total tackles (333), fourth in single-season tackles (130 in 1998) and fifth in career tackles for loss (50.0).

Novak was also a four-time national qualifier, three-time All-American and a 2001 national champion for the Johnnie wrestling team. As a freshman, Novak placed fifth nationally at 190 pounds. After a return trip where he did not place as a sophomore, he qualified again as a junior, taking third at 197 pounds. He was inducted into the Division III National Wrestling Coaches' Association (NWCA) Hall of Fame in March 2017.

His senior year (2000-01) was one of the best individual seasons in Johnnie wrestling history. He dominated his way to a 23-1 record, with his only loss coming to a non-Division III opponent. Novak earned the Carl Larson Trophy, as the most valuable wrestler at the MIAC Tournament, following a conference championship at 197 pounds and capped his illustrious career with a national title. His career winning percentage of .871 (101-15 record) is still the best in SJU history.

After graduation, he pursued a coaching career at SJU. He spent 10 seasons as SJU's head wrestling coach from 2004-14 and compiled an 83-73 dual record. Novak coached 21 NWCA Scholar All-Americans and 16 All-Americans, including a school-record five All-Americans in 2011. Minga Batsukh '11 won three consecutive national championships from 2009-11. 

He stepped down as head wrestling coach in 2014 to become a full-time assistant with the football program. 

Novak and his wife, Heather, live in Dubuque, Iowa, where he serves as the head football coach at Loras College. They have two sons, Sebastian and Maikol, and a daughter, Luciana.