Kill a ‘perfect fit' for Northern Illinois

Southern Illinois coach Jerry Kill became the 20th football coach in Northern Illinois University history Thursday. Kill, who has led the Salukis to five straight Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearances, replaces Joe Novak, who resigned following a 2-10 season Nov. 26. Kill owns a 64.6 winning percentage and earned his 100th career victory this season while leading SIU to a 12-2 record. Southern Illinois fell a game short of the 2007 FCS championship game after suffering a 20-17 loss to Delaware Saturday. “During an exhaustive search, it became very clear that Jerry Kill is a perfect fit for Northern Illinois University,” said Jim Phillips, NIU athletic director. “Everyone we talked to spoke very highly of coach Kill, from his