Northern Illinois coach Dave Doeren announced on Monday that the duties of offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar have been reassigned as he focuses on his fight against cancer.

Dunbar was hired by the Huskies on Feb. 8, and was diagnosed with cancer shortly after being hired. Dunbar's duties will be temporarily taken on by run-game coordinator Rod Carey and fullbacks/tight ends coach Joe Tripodi. Carey will serve as offensive coordinator and Tripodi will take on Dunbar's recruiting responsibilities.

Dunbar has been coaching college football for 36 years in various capacities and served as the head coach of Northern Iowa from 1997-2000. NIU coach Doeren stated that the move had nothing to do with football and said "I want his focus and attention to be on battling cancer, not on scoring points."

Northern Illinois lost their season opener to Iowa, 18-17, after nearly pulling off the upset. NIU will play host to Tennessee-Martin in their second game on Saturday.

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