Coachingsearch.com reported yesterday that the Badgers’ running backs coach, Thomas Hammock, has accepted the same position with the National Football League’s Baltimore Ravens.
Hammock started his coaching career with Wisconsin as a graduate assistant in 2003 and returned to coach the running backs in 2011. Since then, the Badger running attack has been nigh unstoppable, even when compared to their traditionally great rushing history.
“He's had some very talented players, and he's made them very good football players. He's been a big part of making them good football players,” head coach Gary Andersen said. “He's a tremendous communicator. He's been a big part of the offense. I appreciate the way Thomas has dealt with the transition. I appreciate the fact that Thomas Hammock wanted to be at Wisconsin when we came here and really didn't bat an eye.”
According to the Wisconsin athletic department, Hammock’s running backs have averaged 251.1 yards per game (seventh nationally) and 5.7 yards per carry (third). They have also led the nation in 100-yard rushing games with 40 in Hammock’s three years.
Hammock was one of two position coaches kept by Andersen in his arrival to Wisconsin, along with secondary coach Ben Strickland.
“I still remember when Coach (Alvarez) walked into my office the first day we were here, and he said, ‘you know, you've got a running back coach that really wants to be here in the worst way.’ We should think about keeping him if it's the right fit.’” Andersen said. “It obviously was the right fit. That didn't take any time for me to be able to see that.”
Hammock will be walking into an interesting situation with the Ravens.
The team had an up and mostly down season last year, going from Super Bowl champions to 8-8 and missing the playoffs for the first time in head coach John Harbaugh’s tenure. A once proud running game turned disaster was a big reason for this.
Pro Bowl running back Ray Rice and his backup Bernard Pierce had by far the worst seasons in their careers, with both backs finishing in the bottom four of the league in yards per rushing attempt. While injury and offensive line play were a big reason for this, the two will be looking for Hammock to coach them to a bounce-back season.
These problems on offense led to the Ravens hiring former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak as offensive coordinator. Kubiak is expected to bring a zone run system that Hammock will have to adapt his coaching to.
Andersen said he hopes to find Hammock’s replacement within a week and will be consulting Melvin Gordon in the process. Still, finding a replacement for one of the Big Ten’s most well-regarded coaches won’t be easy.
“It all comes with a little bit of difficulty, but we'll move on. We'll be just fine. And he'll move on, and he'll be just fine,” Andersen said. “I think I have a good friend in Thomas Hammock and a guy that I can trust, and I believe many coaches on our staff feel the exact same way. He's grateful of Wisconsin for the opportunity.”
