Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock rails against NIL era’s shortcomings in impassioned speech

Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock rails against NIL era’s shortcomings in impassioned speech

Thomas Hammock pushed for a greater focus on education over cash

Head coach Thomas Hammock of the Northern Illinois Huskies watches his team warm up before a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium Sept. 16, 2023, in Lincoln, Neb. (Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)

Northern Illinois Huskies head coach Thomas Hammock watches in the first quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Ind., Sept. 7, 2024. (Matt Cashore/Imagn Images)

Northern Illinois Huskies head coach Thomas Hammock during the first half at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb, Ill., Sept. 21, 2024. (Mike Dinovo/Imagn Images)