DEKALB, Ill. (WIFR) – Northern Illinois University Huskies head coach Thomas Hammock reportedly will leave the team to join defending NFL champions, the Seattle Seahawks.
Hammock will be the Seahawks’ running backs coach and senior offensive assistant according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
Hammock spent eight seasons with the Huskies from 2019 – 2025, winning 35 games and 47 losses.
One of the biggest wins during Hammock’s tenure came when the Huskies beat the then #5 ranked Notre Dame in September 2024.
“Representing the Cardinal and Black of Northern Illinois University as a player, alumnus, assistant coach, and head coach has been the honor of my life,” said Hammock.
NIU’s Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier says Hammock’s “Passion for NIU and commitment to developing young men – on and off the playing field – will be his legacy.”
Defensive coordinator Rob Harley has been named interim head coach for NIU.
The football team is also set to join the Mountain West Conference, joining teams like United States Air Force Academy, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, University of Nevada, Reno, University of New Mexico, San José State University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, University of Texas, El Paso and University of Wyoming.
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