NIU will have a new head football coach for the 2026 season.
After 7 seasons with the Huskies, Thomas Hammock has decided to return to the NFL.
He has been named the running backs coach and senior offensive assistant with the World Champion Seattle Seahawks.
Hammock had a record of (35-47) at NIU which included a MAC Championship in 2021 and 3 bowl games.
He was also the running backs coach with the Baltimore Ravens for 5 seasons before being named head coach at NIU.
He played 4 years for the Huskies between 1999 and 2002 at tailback.
Hammock’s best win at NIU came in 2024 when the Huskies upset #5 Notre Dame 16-14.
Hammock had this to say about his decision. “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.
“These are exciting times for the Huskies as they enter the Mountain West Conference. I look forward to watching this team stay united, compete at a high level, and continue building under new leadership. I will always be proud to call NIU my alma mater, and I will always be cheering for the Huskies.”
NIU Vice President/Direcor of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frqzier said “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,” Frazier said. “His passion for NIU and commitment to developing young men – on and off the playing field – will be his legacy; I know he has left a lasting impact on the players he coached and on his alma mater. 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.”
NIU has named defensive coordinator Rob Harley as interim head coach.
February 18, 2026