Thomas Hammock, the architect behind Northern Illinois University's football resurgence, is making his return to the National Football League. After seven seasons at the helm of his alma mater, Hammock has agreed to join the Seattle Seahawks coaching staff, where he'll serve as running backs coach and senior offensive assistant, according to sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke with ESPN's Pete Thamel.
The move, announced Wednesday by Northern Illinois athletic director Sean Frazier, brings to a close a remarkable chapter in DeKalb while opening an exciting new one in Seattle. Hammock will reportedly become the highest-paid running backs coach in the NFL, a milestone that underscores his reputation and the premium the Seahawks place on elite coaching at every position.
The Seattle Opportunity and the OC Interview
What makes this transition particularly intriguing is the path Hammock took to land in Seattle. He initially interviewed for the Seahawks' offensive coordinator vacancy, a role that would have represented a significant leap in responsibility and influence. The Seahawks ultimately chose Brian Fleury, who previously served as tight ends coach and run game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, for that promotion.
However, Seattle's brain trust, led by head coach Mike Macdonald, recognized Hammock's value couldn't be lost. Rather than allowing him to sign elsewhere, they created a hybrid position that combines traditional running backs coaching with senior offensive assistant duties. This innovative approach to staff building suggests Hammock will have a voice in game planning and strategic decisions that extends far beyond his position room.
The financial commitment—making him the league's top-paid running backs coach—demonstrates how seriously Seattle pursued him. In an era where coaching salaries have exploded across the board, this move signals that teams are willing to invest heavily in proven teachers, even at what were once considered secondary positions.
A Deep Connection to Macdonald
The relationship between Hammock and Macdonald cannot be overstated. The two spent five seasons together with the Baltimore Ravens from 2014-2018, where Hammock established himself as one of the NFL's premier running back coaches. During that tenure, he contributed to one of the league's most dynamic rushing attacks and developed Pro Bowl talent.
That shared history gave Macdonald unique insight into Hammock's coaching methodology, work ethic, and locker room presence. When building his staff in Seattle, Macdonald has prioritized coaches who combine NFL experience with innovative thinking. Hammock fits that profile perfectly, bringing both continuity from their Ravens days and fresh perspective from his successful college tenure.
The Seahawks have long built their identity around a physical running game, and Hammock's expertise aligns seamlessly with that philosophy. His ability to develop talent at Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Baltimore suggests he'll have immediate credibility with Seattle's backfield.
Seven Years That Redefined Northern Illinois Football
When Northern Illinois hired Hammock in 2019, they were getting more than a former player returning home. They were bringing in a coach with NFL pedigree and a deep understanding of the program's DNA. What followed was a methodical rebuild that saw the Huskies reclaim their place among the Group of Five's most competitive programs.
The on-field results tell a compelling story. Hammock compiled a 35-47 overall record, but the trajectory was always upward. The 2021 season stands as the pinnacle, with Northern Illinois capturing the Mid-American Conference championship and reestablishing itself as a conference powerhouse. That title run reminded everyone that the Huskies could still compete for championships.
However, the defining moment of Hammock's tenure came in September 2024, when Northern Illinois traveled to Notre Dame Stadium as massive underdogs and left with a stunning victory. The win reverberated throughout college football, not just because of the upset itself, but because Notre Dame's loss to the Huskies remained their only regular-season defeat all year. It was a masterclass in game planning and execution, showcasing Hammock's ability to maximize his roster's potential against elite competition.
The program also found consistency in the postseason, securing bowl victories in both 2023 and 2024. These wins demonstrated that Northern Illinois wasn't just capable of occasional surprises—they had built a sustainable model for success. Perhaps equally important were the academic achievements under Hammock's watch, with the program reaching historic milestones in the classroom that reflected his commitment to holistic player development.
The Difficult Decision to Leave
What makes this move particularly notable is the timing and circumstances. Hammock had recently reaffirmed his commitment to Northern Illinois, signing a contract extension in 2025 that would have kept him in DeKalb through the 2029 season. Such agreements typically indicate long-term stability, but the convergence of NFL interest, financial opportunity, and familiarity with Macdonald's vision created a perfect storm.
Sources close to the situation indicate the decision weighed heavily on Hammock, who genuinely loved the university and took pride in representing his alma mater. In his farewell statement, he captured that sentiment: "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." The words carry extra weight coming from someone who experienced the program from every possible perspective.
The 2024 season's 3-9 record may have also factored into the calculus. While the Notre Dame victory provided a high point, the overall struggles suggested a program at a crossroads. Sometimes, the best time to make a move is when your stock remains high from past achievements, even if immediate results have been mixed.
Northern Illinois Enters Transition Mode
The Huskies' response to losing their leader has been swift and strategic. Athletic director Sean Frazier announced that defensive coordinator Rob Harley will serve as interim head coach for the 2026 season. Promoting from within provides continuity, particularly for a defense that showed promise under Harley's direction.
Frazier's statement reflected both gratitude and realism: "Under Coach Hammock's leadership, the Huskie football program has achieved historic milestones on the field as well as academically over the last seven seasons. His passion for NIU and commitment to developing young men—on and off the playing field—will be his legacy."
The timing presents significant challenges. Northern Illinois is set to join the Mountain West Conference for football in 2026, meaning Harley must navigate a coaching transition while also preparing for new opponents and recruiting territories. The program's 3-9 record in 2024 adds urgency to the rebuilding effort.
Harley's task is clear: maintain the foundation Hammock built while establishing his own identity. The defensive coordinator-turned-interim-head-coach must keep the program competitive during what could be a turbulent period, especially as the team adjusts to Mountain West competition.
The NFL's Evolving Coaching Economics
Hammock's ascent to the top of the running backs coach pay scale reflects broader changes in how NFL teams value assistant coaches. As offensive schemes become more complex and the importance of player development increases, teams are willing to invest heavily in proven teachers.
The fact that multiple NFL teams expressed interest in Hammock gave him leverage to choose his destination. Seattle's combination of financial commitment, familiar leadership in Macdonald, and a roster capable of competing for playoffs made it the ideal landing spot.
His experience spans multiple successful programs. Before returning to Northern Illinois, Hammock spent five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, helping develop one of the league's most dynamic rushing attacks. His college stops at Wisconsin and Minnesota, where he served as co-offensive coordinator in 2010, provided additional layers to his coaching philosophy.
This breadth of experience across different levels and systems has shaped an approach that emphasizes fundamentals while adapting to personnel. In Seattle, he'll find a running back room that can benefit from his developmental track record.
Broader Implications for Football Coaching
This move exemplifies several trends reshaping football coaching. The financial gap between elite college assistants and NFL position coaches has narrowed, creating more fluid movement between levels. Coaches can now make career decisions based on opportunity and fit rather than compensation alone.
Additionally, the value of coaches who understand both collegiate and professional landscapes is increasing. As NFL teams incorporate more college concepts and as player evaluation becomes more sophisticated, coaches like Hammock who have succeeded at both levels become invaluable commodities.
The coaching carousel continues to spin, but this particular move stands out. It's rare to see a college head coach leave for a position coach role, but the combination of financial incentive, professional challenge, and personal connections made this the right move for Hammock.
Looking Toward 2026
As the 2026 season approaches, both programs will be under intense scrutiny. Seattle hopes Hammock can unlock the next level of offensive potential, particularly in a running game that has been central to the team's identity. His track record suggests he'll have an immediate impact on player development and scheme efficiency.
Northern Illinois, meanwhile, must prove it can sustain the momentum Hammock created. The program's rise to national relevance was no accident—it was the result of deliberate building and strong culture. Maintaining that culture while adapting to new conference competition will test the program's resilience.
In the end, this coaching change represents a rare win-win. A coach returns to the NFL at the peak of his market value, taking on new challenges with familiar faces. A program loses a beloved leader but gains validation for its elevated status. In the zero-sum world of coaching changes, that's an outcome both sides can accept.