Former Huskie Hammock earns promotion

Per The Associated Press, Minnesota has named running backs coach and former Northern Illinois running back Thomas Hammock as the team's co-offensive coordinator.

Coach Tim Brewster announced the move Friday, a few weeks after hiring Jeff Horton as offensive coordinator to replace Jedd Fisch, who left for the NFL. Offensive line coach Tim Davis has also carried the title of running game coordinator.

Brewster says he's rewarding Hammock for "tireless" efforts as a coach and a recruiter. Hammock's role in the offense has increased since his arrival three years ago.

Horton, Hammock and Davis have work to do. The Gophers were last in the Big Ten in total yards and points per game in 2009. Brewster also said wide receivers coach Richard Hightower has resigned.

NIU plays at Minnesota on Sept. 25.