NIU reassigns OC Dunbar to focus on cancer fight

DEKALB, Ill. (AP) -- Northern Illinois has reassigned offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar so he can focus on his fight with cancer.

The school announced the move Monday night. It would not say what kind of cancer he has.

A longtime college coach who had most recently spent the 2010 season as New Mexico State's offensive coordinator, Dunbar was diagnosed shortly after his arrival at NIU in February and was treated in the spring with the idea that he would be fully recovered in time for the season. Instead, his role is being reduced one game into it after his latest medical update.

Offensive line coach and run-game coordinator Rod Carey and fullbacks/tight ends coach Joe Tripodi will split his duties, with Tripodi being elevated to a full-time assistant and assuming recruiting responsibilities.