DEKALB, Ill. -- After seven seasons leading the Northern Illinois University football program, head coach Thomas Hammock has resigned to return to a coaching position in the National Football League, NIU Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean T. Frazier announced on Wednesday. 
 
Since returning to his alma mater as head coach in January 2019, Hammock successfully guided the Huskies to the 2021 Mid-American Conference Championship, back-to-back bowl victories and three "Boneyard Wins" over "Power 4" opponents, including one of the biggest wins in school and Mid-American Conference history when the Huskies defeated fifth-ranked Notre Dame in 2024.
 
"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."
 
Hammock expressed gratitude for his time leading his alma mater.
 
"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."
 
Frazier, who assumed sport administration duties for football in December, has promoted defensive coordinator Rob Harley to interim head coach.