Today on Coach and Coordinator Podcast, we continue our "Home Team Podcast" series. Our guest host Joel Nellis welcomes in the head coach at Northern Illinois University Thomas Hammock.

As a player at Northern Illinois, Coach Hammock still ranks 13th all-time in Huskie history in career rushing yards. A heart condition halted Coach Hammock's playing career, but he quickly transitioned to roles as a coach with the University of Wisconsin and the Baltimore Ravens.

After spending five seasons with the Ravens as the running backs coach, Coach Hammock returned to take the helm as the first African American head coach in Northern Illinois' history. Learn from Coach Hammock about how he emphasizes family in his program and how he develops his players into young men.

Show Notes:

1:57 Intro

4:18 Stars of your home team

5:46 Transitioning into coaching

7:01 Career decision-making process

8:11 Time management

9:32 Discipline at home

10:06 Handling negative press

10:58 Difference between NFL and college

11:58 Players being accountable at home

12:57 Factoring in family during the hiring process

13:55 Staying connected with family

14:40 Family atmosphere

16:36 Families and recruiting

17:16 Family situations

19:31 Chasing ghosts in the game-plan

20:55 Building your program

23:00 Lessons from overcoming struggles

23:39 Helping players feel valued

25:01 Legacy in coaching

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Home Team Podcast - Thomas Hammock, Head Coach, Northern Illinois University