Ravens RB coach Thomas Hammock departing for NIU

Although just less than two weeks removed from the end of the season, the Ravens coaching staff has already undergone significant change; Greg Roman was promoted to offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg departed, and Bobby Engram shifted from wide receiver to tight end coach.

The reshuffling is set to continue after news broke Thursday night that Thomas Hammock, Baltimore’s running backs coach, is accepting a head coaching position at Northern Illinois University.

Hammock, 37, had been the Ravens running backs coach for the past five seasons. During his tenure, Hammock helped orchestrate and oversee some impressive individual performances in Baltimore’s backfield.

Under his guidance, Justin Forsett, Terrance West, and Alex Collins posted career-best numbers in 2014, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Undrafted rookie Gus Edwards and Kenneth Dixon came on strong over the second half of this past season, and both could play a key role in the Ravens backfield going forward.

Hammock will now return to his alma mater of Northern Illinois, where he both played and coached. Hammock rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2000 and 2001 at NIU before spending two seasons as the program’s running backs coach in the mid 2000’s.

With Hammock leaving and Bobby Engram moving to tight ends coach, the Ravens now have vacant coaching spots at two of the most important skill positions on either side of the ball; wide receiver and running back.

It will be interesting to see how Eric DeCosta and John Harbaugh attempt to fill these jobs, but losing Hammock could be a potential significant loss given his experience and knack for player development he showcased during his five years in Baltimore.

It’s only right, however, to wish him the best of luck going forward. Hammock figures to be a successful head coach at the collegiate level. He will be introduced by the program on Friday.