After seven years at the helm of NIU football, head coach Thomas Hammock resigned Wednesday, leaving the program to become the next running backs coach/senior offensive assistant for the Seattle Seahawks. 

“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,” said NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier in an NIU press release. “His genuine love for NIU made his decision to leave at this time very tough for him. A Hall of Famer, he will always be a Huskie, and I hope all of Huskie Nation will join me in thanking Thomas for all he has given to NIU as we wish him all the best in the future.” 

Hammock departs NIU with a 35-47 overall record, including a trip to the Mid-American Conference championship, three bowl games and three victories over Power 4 opponents. 

“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,” Hammock said. “To Sean Frazier, my mentor, thank you for the incredible opportunity to lead, guide and mentor the young men in this program over the past seven years. I hope I have left a lasting impact on our players the way coach Novak left one on me.”

Prior to returning to NIU in 2019, Hammock was a running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens, where he worked with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald.  

Frazier has named defensive coordinator Rob Harley as the interim head coach. 

With the coaching change, NIU players will now have a 15-day window to enter the transfer portal.

The Huskies will take the field again next fall, competing as a football-only member in the Mountain West Conference.