Frank Novak was a valuable contributor to the Packers as the special teams group ranked fourth in the NFL on field goal percentage in 2003, up from sixth in 2002 and fifth on kickoff returns, up from 26th in 2002, with a 23.6-yard average. The Packers were one of two teams in the NFC that did not surrender to a blocked punt or field goal. The 2003 kickoff coverage team ranked sixth in the NFC, limiting opponent returners to an average of 20.8 yards per runback, and the punt coverage unit ranked seventh in the conference, holding opponents to an average of 9.9 yards per return.

Under Novak in 2002, two players ranked among Green Bay's all-time special-teams tackles leaders. Paris Lenon posted 22, the most by a Packers player in 12 years and tied for fourth all-time, and Torrance Marshall turned in his second straight 21-tackle season, tying for sixth on the career list.

The 2001 season witnessed strong punt coverage teams which allowed an average of only 8.5 yards per return, tied for eighth-best in the league, and a game-winning play, Allen Rossum's 55-yard punt return for a touchdown to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Nov. 4). The unit's success was buoyed by the efforts of punter Josh Bidwell, who had a stellar year under Novak's direction, finishing with a 36.5-yard net punting average which ranked third in the NFC and marked the second-best effort in team history.

Novak's corps similarly realized success in 2000, including the first three game-winning field goals of placekicker Ryan Longwell¹s playing career and Rossum's two game-turning kickoff returns.

Head Coach Mike Sherman named the widely-respected Novak to the position Feb. 9, 2000.

Of his 34 years in the coaching ranks, Novak spent a total of 19 on the college level and 14 at the professional level, including two seasons in the United States Football League.

Before joining the Packers, Novak most recently headed up the special teams of the San Diego Chargers (1997-98), overseeing a unit that scored five touchdowns during the 1997 season ‹ a total that ranked as the highest one-season output of the 1990s. Two such strikes transpired on the same day, Nov 2, 1997, with Eric Metcalf returning two punts for touchdowns in a contest at Cincinnati, one of just 11 such occurrences in league history. Novak subsequently coached through the first week of the 1998 regular season before resigning and spending the remainder of the year, as well as the 1999 campaign, out of football.

Prior to his stint with the Chargers, the Leominster, Mass., native enjoyed similar success during his two seasons (1995-96) as special teams coach of the Detroit Lions. Under Novak¹s direction, Glyn Milburn ranked fourth in the NFC in 1996 with a 25.4-yard kickoff return average.

Novak broke into the NFL in 1989 as the running backs coach of the then-Houston Oilers, for five seasons (1989-93) tutoring a unit that included the likes of Mike Rozier, Alonzo Highsmith (now a college scout with the Packers), Allen Pinkett, Lorenzo White and Gary Brown. Rozier, White and Brown all posted 1,000-yard seasons under Novak.

Heading up the Oilers¹ special teams in 1994, Novak directed a unit that limited opponents to a league-low 17.3 yards per kickoff return.

• Joined Packers on Feb. 9, 2000; retired as special teams coach Jan. 10, 2003, he remains on staff as special teams consultant.
• Has 35 year¹s experience in the coaching profession, including 14 NFL seasons, two USFL campaigns and 19 college seasons.
• Served the 1981-83 seasons on the same Holy Cross staff with Packers linebackers coach Mark Duffner
• One of a few father/son combinations working in the NFL, son Jason is the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Tennessee Titans.
• Earned NCAA Division II honorable mention All-America honors from the Associated Press in 1961 as a quarterback at Northern Michigan.