Sean Hammonds

Title

Defensive Line Coach/Defensive Recruiting Coordinator
Email

sean.hammondsjr@stonybrook.edu

Sean Hammonds rejoined the Seawolves’ staff as the defensive line coach in January 2023. Hammonds, a 2020 Stony Brook graduate and former staffer, returned to Long Island after serving as a defensive line graduate assistant at Kent State for the 2022 season.

The Defensive Line Coach/Defensive Recruiting Coordinator helped the Seawolves improve from a winless 0-10 campaign in 2023 to an impressive 8-4 finish in 2024, recording their first winning season since 2018 and earning their highest national ranking in six years.

The defense made major strides, slashing opponents’ scoring from 39.2 points per game down to 24.0. Total yards allowed dropped by nearly 100 per game—from 470.7 to 373.5—while touchdowns surrendered fell from 53 to just 32. The Seawolves also forced their most turnovers in a season since 2014 and allowed their fewest points per game since 2021.

Individually, Hammonds helped multiple defenders to standout seasons. Defensive lineman Rushawn Lawrence earned First Team All-CAA honors and collected two All-America nods, while freshman lineman Sebastian Regis was recognized as a Freshman All-American.

In 2025, Hammonds helped continue Stony Brook’s momentum as the Seawolves finished 6–6 overall, including a 5–1 mark at LaValle Stadium, securing their second consecutive .500-or-better season for the first time since the 2017–18 campaign. He played a key role in the development and production of the defensive line unit, guiding Dyshier Clary to First Team All-CAA and All-ECAC honors after a dominant season in which he led the team with 14.5 tackles for loss for 52 yards, the seventh-most in a single season in program history, along with 6.5 sacks (six solo). Hammonds also helped anchor a defense that allowed the second-fewest rushing touchdowns and fifth-fewest rushing yards in the conference.

Beyond Clary’s breakout year, Hammonds contributed to the growth of All-CSC honoree Franco Milano, who posted a career-best 30.0 tackles including 8.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks, as well as sophomore Sebastian Regis, who finished with career highs of 33.0 tackles, 10.0 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks. The defensive unit as a whole also helped Stony Brook lead the conference in limiting first downs allowed and third-down conversion percentage.

While at Kent State, Hammonds coached the defensive line daily and assisted with game planning, scouting reports, and opponent film breakdowns every week for each opponent. Additionally, he assisted in coaching special teams and served as a recruiting assistant.

Before his stint at Kent State, Hammonds was a member of the Stony Brook coaching staff from 2020 until the spring of 2022. While on staff with the Seawolves, Hammonds was a defensive coaching assistant and strength staff assistant.

Hammonds contributed to the Stony Brook football program in a variety of ways. As a defensive assistant, he aided the defensive staff in game planning, scouting reports, and film breakdowns. He worked in collaboration with the rest of the coaching staff to set administrative goals for the football program. In addition, he assisted coaching special teams and spent time recruiting Connecticut and was involved with on campus recruiting.

Prior to his coaching career, Hammonds played a combined four seasons as a defensive lineman for Ball State and Stony Brook. Hammonds spent his undergraduate career at Ball State where he received his bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Following his time at Ball State, Hammonds transferred to Stony Brook where he earned his master’s degree in liberal studies in 2020. Hammonds played one season for the Seawolves in 2019 and appeared in 12 games. The defensive lineman recorded 30 tackles, seven TFLs, and three sacks as a member of the Stony Brook defense.