Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock is resigning and leaving the Huskies to join the Seattle Seahawks as their running backs coach/senior offensive assistant, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.
Hammock’s Tenure
Hammock spent seven seasons at NIU, posting a 35-47 record and capturing the Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in 2021. Aside from the record, his tenure featured several signature moments.
In 2024, he led the Huskies into Notre Dame Stadium, where they stunned the Fighting Irish 16-14 in what is widely viewed as the biggest win in program history. Hammock also guided NIU to back-to-back bowl victories in 2023 and 2024.
What’s next for NIU?
The program now faces an uncertain future. NIU is set to begin play in the Mountain West Conference this fall, a 15-day transfer portal window is about to open for its roster, and the school has yet to name Hammock’s long-term successor. All this comes as the Huskies try to rebound from a 3-9 season in 2025.
The school announced in a statement on Wednesday that defensive coordinator Rob Harley will serve as the interim head coach.
With spring practice about a month away, NIU enters a turbulent stretch that could significantly reshape both its coaching staff and roster.
