On the way to laying claim to the title of Super Bowl champion, the Seattle Seahawks saw running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu first take a leave of absence and then leave the team entirely in early January.
That didn’t stop Super Bowl MVP Ken Walker from lighting things up during the postseason, but it did leave a hole on the offensive coaching staff. That hole has now been filled, with the Seahawks reportedly set to hire Thomas Hammock as running backs coach and senior offensive assistant.
According to Pete Thamel, Hammock will be the highest-paid running backs coach in the NFL.
Thamel also reported that Hammock interviewed for Seattle’s offensive coordinator position during the hiring cycle. His prior time with the Baltimore Ravens during Mike Macdonald’s tenure there reportedly played a significant role in his decision to join the Seahawks’ staff.
Hammock will officially replace Kennedy Polamalu, whose role had been temporarily handled by Justin Outten.
Who is Thomas Hammock?
Coaching career (Prior NFL stint)
Before arriving in Seattle, Hammock built nearly two decades of coaching experience across multiple programs and levels.
He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Wisconsin Badgers (2003–2004), before earning his first full position coaching role with the Northern Illinois Huskies (2005–2006) as running backs coach. There, he helped develop standout back Garrett Wolfe.
From 2007 to 2009, Hammock served as running backs coach for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. In 2010, he was promoted to co-offensive coordinator while continuing to coach the running backs, gaining valuable play-calling and scheme-design experience.
He returned to the Wisconsin Badgers from 2011 to 2013 as associate head coach and running backs coach. During that span, Wisconsin fielded one of the most dominant rushing attacks in the Big Ten. Elite backs such as Montee Ball, James White, and Melvin Gordon combined for more than 9,000 rushing yards and 102 total touchdowns across those three seasons.
NFL experience with the Baltimore Ravens (2014–2018)
Hammock made the jump to the NFL in 2014 as running backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens, where he spent five seasons.
Under his guidance, Baltimore finished in the Top 11 in rushing yards per game in three of those five seasons, including 2018 when the Ravens ranked second in the league at approximately 152.6 rushing yards per game.
In his first season (2014), Hammock helped turn around a rushing offense that had ranked 30th in the NFL the year prior. The Ravens improved to roughly 126.2 rushing yards per game and reached the playoffs.
He also played a key role in developing individual production. Justin Forsett earned Pro Bowl honors in 2014 after rushing for 1,266 yards under Hammock’s coaching. In 2017, former Seahawk Alex Collins broke out with 973 rushing yards, 1,160 scrimmage yards, and six touchdowns.
Head coach at Northern Illinois (2019–2026)
Hammock returned to his alma mater, the Northern Illinois Huskies, in 2019 as head coach. Over eight seasons, he compiled a 35–47 record, highlighted by a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship and several signature wins.
His latest most notable victory came in 2024, when Northern Illinois stunned No. 5 Notre Dame in one of the biggest upsets of the college football season.
What this means for Seattle
With Hammock’s hiring, the Seahawks add a coach with both NFL and college experience, proven production in the run game, and a strong track record of player development.
Between his work with high-level collegiate backs and his NFL success in Baltimore, Hammock brings credibility, scheme knowledge, and leadership to a backfield that will look to remain a key part of Seattle’s offensive identity in 2026.
Another strong addition to Mike Macdonald’s coaching staff as the Seahawks continue building toward sustained contention.