Northern Illinois Coach Thomas Hammock Resigns for NFL Job

Hammock led the Huskies to a MAC championship and upset of Notre Dame during his 7-year tenure.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Northern Illinois head football coach Thomas Hammock has resigned from his position to take a job in the NFL, the school announced on Wednesday. Hammock coached the Huskies for seven seasons, leading the team to the 2021 Mid-American Conference championship and the program's first win over a top-10 opponent when they beat Notre Dame in 2024. Defensive coordinator Rob Harley has been named interim head coach.

Why it matters

Hammock's departure is a significant loss for the Northern Illinois football program, which has seen success under his leadership. The Huskies won back-to-back bowl games in 2023 and 2024 and scored a major upset over Notre Dame, one of college football's blue-blood programs. Hammock's move to the NFL also represents an opportunity for career advancement.

The details

During his 7-year tenure, Hammock compiled a 35-47 record at Northern Illinois. His 2021 team went 9-5 and won the MAC title, while the Huskies also won bowl games in 2023 and 2024. Hammock's biggest win came in 2024 when Northern Illinois beat 5th-ranked Notre Dame 16-14 on a last-second field goal block. However, the team slipped to 3-9 last season.

  • Hammock coached the Huskies for seven seasons from 2019 to 2025.
  • In 2021, Hammock led Northern Illinois to the Mid-American Conference championship.
  • In 2024, Northern Illinois upset 5th-ranked Notre Dame 16-14.
  • On February 18, 2026, Hammock announced his resignation to take a job in the NFL.

The players

Thomas Hammock

The former head football coach of Northern Illinois University, who led the Huskies to a MAC championship and an upset of Notre Dame during his 7-year tenure.

Rob Harley

The defensive coordinator at Northern Illinois, who was named interim head coach after Hammock's resignation.

Sean Frazier

The athletic director at Northern Illinois University, who gave Hammock the opportunity to be the Huskies' head coach.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Thomas Hammock, Former Head Coach (suntimes.com)

“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.”

— Sean Frazier, Athletic Director (suntimes.com)

What’s next

Northern Illinois will begin a search for a permanent head coach to replace Hammock, who is expected to join the Seattle Seahawks as a running backs coach and senior offensive assistant.

The takeaway

Hammock's departure represents a significant loss for the Northern Illinois football program, which saw tremendous success under his leadership, including a MAC championship, bowl game wins, and a historic upset of Notre Dame. However, his move to the NFL also represents an opportunity for career advancement and showcases the program's ability to develop coaching talent.