Former Northern Illinois women's and men's basketball assistant coach Carl Armato will officially apply for the open head coach position for the NIU women's basketball team, Armato confirmed Thursday afternoon.
"I have a passion to coach," Armato said. "It's in my heart and blood. I have a passion to see the university succeed. I think they have strong leadership with President [John] Peters and [Director of Athletics] Jeff Compher. I got to know him a little bit. I think our paths crossed for about 3-4 months when I was leaving.
"I just think the timing might be right. It certainly would be something that would be a dream come true to be a head coach at Northern Illinois University."
Armato is the District 205 athletic director in his hometown of Rockford, a position he took in 2008. But Armato was an assistant coach under Carol Owens, who resigned a week ago for personal reasons, for the 2007-08 season. Before that, he was an assistant with the NIU men from 2001-07. He was the head coach at Rock Valley Junior College from 1988-2001, leading the Golden Eagles to a 219-135 record.
He said his experience as a head coach at Rock Valley in addition to his time at NIU makes him ready for this job.
"Prior to my getting hired (at Rock Valley), they were going to terminate all sports out there," he said. "All of them. There was no support, no interest, nothing. I went in and rolled up my sleeves and my first year we were 18-12 and we won every year.
"It gives you confidence that you can go in and turn things around. It takes work, but it can be done."
Armato said he has missed coaching and feels ready to jump back into being a coach. He also said after talking it over with his family that there would be some great benefits for them in moving back to the DeKalb area.
"We think it's a great community to raise a family in," Armato said. "I have many contacts and friends there."
