Former Baltimore Ravens running backs coach Thomas Hammock is once again a name to watch as NFL teams look to fill key assistant roles. Currently the head coach at Northern Illinois University, Hammock has reportedly caught the attention of at least three NFL teams, according to Ian Rapoport, with interest in him for either running backs coach or run-game coordinator positions.
A name generating some interest for RB coach or run-game coordinator is Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock, sources say. At least three teams have called about the former #Ravens RBs coach whose team beat Notre Dame this year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2025
Hammock has made a name for himself at NIU, leading the Huskies to bowl games in three of the last four seasons and securing a massive upset over Notre Dame earlier this year.
While his overall record in DeKalb sits at 32-38, Hammock’s steady improvement and ability to develop players have not gone unnoticed. However, despite his success, his reported $708,000 annual salary places him among the lowest-paid head coaches in college football, which could make an NFL return an enticing opportunity.
Hammock is a familiar figure. From 2014 to 2018, he was a key part of John Harbaugh’s staff, overseeing a ground game that consistently brought out the best of the players. His ability to maximize talent in the backfield made him one of the NFL’s most respected position coaches, and it seems teams are eager to see if he’s ready to make a return.
Thomas Hammock could be making his return to the NFL
While Hammock has enjoyed relative success at the collegiate level, the draw of returning to the NFL might be too strong to resist.
His five-year stint with the Ravens not only helped establish him as a top-tier coach but also showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in a professional environment. Now, with NFL teams actively seeking coaches to beef up their running games—thanks to Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley—Hammock’s name is once again rising to the surface.
The timing feels right for Hammock to consider a move. As NIL deals and the transfer portal completely transform the college landscape, more coaches are weighing the stability and financial incentives of the NFL. Hammock’s proven track record in developing talent and crafting effective run schemes makes him an awesome fit for teams looking to improve their ground game.
In Baltimore, Hammock was known for extracting every drop of talent out of the running backs group. What team wouldn't want him on their staff? It makes sense that he's garnering a little NFL action.
He helped Justin Forsett earn a Pro Bowl with a career-best 1,266 yards in 2014 while setting a franchise-record 5.4 yards per carry. Hammock also developed breakout seasons for Alex Collins (973 yards in 2017) and Terrance West (774 yards in 2016), and even turned rookie Kenneth Dixon into a playmaker with a team-best 4.3 yards per carry in 2016. Oh, and let’s not forget fullback Kyle Juszczyk earning his first Pro Bowl nod under Hammock’s watch. The guy made every backfield weapon count, and Baltimore’s rushing attack was better for it.
While it remains to be seen if Hammock will make the leap, one thing is certain—his ability to elevate running games, whether in college or the NFL, remains his calling card. For now, the NFL is calling (literally), and it’s only a matter of time before we find out if Hammock will answer.