Northern Illinois head coach Thomas Hammock raves about Xavier Watts, Marcus Freeman

This week we have seen something that we don’t normally see from opposing coaches, a friendship was formed.

While Northern Illinois did upset Notre Dame last Saturday, the two head coaches have seemingly established a quick bond. Not only did Thomas Hammock share information with Marcus Freeman, but on Friday he took to social media and raved about the Irish coach and safety Xavier Watts.

Hammock quoted a post singling out the stars almost tip-drill interception, saying “they showed those types of plays on tape which means they are coached extremely well.” The NIU coach didn’t need to go out of his way to say anything, but you can see the two have each other’s backs.

It’s become very clear the two coaches are extremely friendly, and hopefully it’s not just a one-sided relationship.

Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes and opinions.

Follow Mike on X: @MikeFChen