Luzzi signs extension through 2014
Northern Illinois men's soccer coach Eric Luzzi, who won 10 games and tied top-ranked North Carolina in his first season at the helm of the Huskies, has signed a contract extension through 2014, NIU Director of Athletics Jeff Compher announced Tuesday.
"Coach Luzzi personifies our mission of developing champions, in the classroom, in competition and in life," Compher said in a news release. "This contract extension recognizes his value to our athletic department, and assures our student-athletes will continue to enjoy a phenomenal and rewarding experience under his leadership."
In just one season, Luzzi has made an impression on the Northern Illinois soccer program. Along with the tie at UNC, year one saw standout victories over Oregon State, Wisconsin, and Milwaukee to retain the Lewang Cup. He guided the Huskies to a 10-8-1 record, the most wins by a first-year head coach in NIU history. Luzzi also became the first NIU men's soccer coach since 1969 to have a winning record in his opening campaign.
"I truly appreciate the faith that Jeff Compher has shown in me and our current staff in offering me a multi-year contract," Luzzi said. "NIU is a great place to be, and I really enjoy the team we have assembled. They are a great bunch of guys, and I couldn't envision myself coaching anyone else right now.
"I think we are in the midst of building something very special, and I couldn't be more pleased that I am going to be at NIU for many years to continue to build on the success that we started last year."
Luzzi was promoted to associate head coach of the Huskies in March 2009. As an assistant for the Huskies in 2006, he helped guide Northern Illinois to the Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament championships.
That year, under the tutelage of Luzzi, goalkeeper Joe Zimka set an NCAA record for goals allowed average, and the Huskies set the NIU record for shutouts in a season with 14. In 2008, Luzzi was part of the staff that coached the Huskies to eight shutouts, a win over No. 2-ranked SMU, and a trip to the MAC Championship game for the second time in three years.
