Seahawks Hire NIU's Thomas Hammock as Running Backs Coach

Hammock reunites with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald after coaching together with the Baltimore Ravens

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock is leaving his position to become the running backs coach for the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Hammock, who had a 35-47 record in seven seasons at NIU, will reunite with Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, as the two previously coached together for five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Why it matters

Hammock's move from a mid-major college program to an NFL coaching job is part of a growing trend of MAC head coaches transitioning to assistant roles in the NFL or at power-conference schools, highlighting the talent pipeline from smaller college programs to the professional ranks.

The details

Hammock, 44, will replace the previous Seahawks running backs coach. At NIU, Hammock led the Huskies to three bowl games but the team slipped to 3-9 last season. With the Seahawks, Hammock will reunite with head coach Mike Macdonald, with whom he coached for five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens from 2014 to 2018.

  • Hammock has been the head coach at Northern Illinois for the past seven seasons.
  • NIU is leaving the Mid-American Conference this year to become a football-only member of the Mountain West Conference.

The players

Thomas Hammock

The 44-year-old former head coach of Northern Illinois University, who is now joining the Seattle Seahawks as their running backs coach.

Mike Macdonald

The head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, who previously coached with Hammock for five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Rob Harley

The second-year defensive coordinator at Northern Illinois University, who will be promoted to interim head coach for the 2026 season.

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What’s next

NIU players will have the opportunity to enter the transfer portal for 15 days after Rob Harley is officially named the interim head coach.

The takeaway

Hammock's move from a mid-major college program to an NFL coaching job highlights the growing trend of talented coaches from smaller schools finding success at the professional level, as programs like the Seahawks look to tap into that pipeline of coaching talent.