In a surprising turn of events, Thomas Hammock, the head coach of Northern Illinois University (NIU) football, has decided to leave his position to accept a role with the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. Announced on Wednesday, Hammock will serve as the team’s running backs coach and senior assistant, marking his return to the professional ranks.
Hammock’s move is particularly intriguing given that he is leaving his alma mater, a decision that defies the usual pattern of coaches stepping up to head coaching or higher-profile assistant positions. This change comes after a mixed bag of seasons at NIU; while Hammock led the team to a stunning upset against Notre Dame in 2024, the following year proved challenging, resulting in a disappointing 3-9 record.
This transition back to the NFL is not entirely new for Hammock, as he previously held the same position with the Baltimore Ravens from 2014 to 2018. In his new role, he will reunite with Mike Macdonald, the defensive coordinator for the Seahawks, with whom he worked closely during his time in Baltimore.
Hammock’s departure leaves NIU searching for a new head coach as the program looks to rebound from its recent struggles. His decision reflects a broader trend within college football and the NFL, where coaching talent is frequently transitioning between the two levels, highlighting the fluid dynamics of the coaching landscape.
Despite the challenges faced in the past season, Hammock’s move to Seattle represents a fresh start and an opportunity to make an impact at a championship caliber organization. It will be interesting to see how his experience will translate at the professional level and what direction NIU will take as they look for Hammock’s replacement.