Photo Courtesy Of GoMounties.com
MANSFIELD – Rick Novak, former head coach at Catholic University and most recently an assistant coach for Navy’s sprint football program, has been named head sprint football coach at Mansfield University.
Novak was introduced as the 25th full-time head coach in the Mountaineer’s 125-year football history by Mansfield University President Fran Hendricks ’79 during a press conference held before a large gathering of supporters and players in the lobby of Decker Gymnasium Tuesday morning.
“At every phase of his career, coach Novak has demonstrated a commitment to making his student-athletes better football players while, more importantly, building character, discipline and dedication,” said President Hendricks.
“His coaching and personal philosophy matches the values and expectations of Mansfield University and our commitment to our student body.”
Novak, who has 37 years of coaching experience at the high school and collegiate levels, comes to Mansfield from the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis where he served as the offensive line coach and special teams coordinator for the Midshipmen from 2013 through 2015 including the 2014 CSFL Championship.
It marked Novak’s second stint at Annapolis. He helped Navy to four CSFL titles from 1994-99 as the offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, and offensive line coach.
Prior to his first stint at Navy, Novak was the head coach at Catholic University, posting 15 wins during his four seasons as the head mentor of the Cardinals.
He served as an assistant coach to Fred O’Connor, who later became head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, at Catholic from 1985-89.
Novak has also served in numerous coaching capacities at the high school level including three seasons at nationally-renowned Dematha Catholic High School as the offensive line coach and head junior varsity coach from 2007-09.
Mansfield finished the 2015 season with a 2-5 overall record.
The Mountaineers will host the University of Pennsylvania on Sept. 17 for the 2016 season opener.
