Ben Hammer will begin his second season as a graduate assistant during the 2018 UTEP football campaign.
Hammer served the previous six seasons with the Western New Mexico football team. Following the 2015 season, Hammer was promoted to assistant head coach at Western New Mexico University. During the 2016 season, Hammer was the special teams coordinator and linebackers coach. Western New Mexico LB Dominic Barry finished third in the Lonestar Conference with 102 tackles and was named All-LSC second team. WNM P Tyler Vargas finished second in the LSC in punting average, and was also named All-LSC second team. In 2015, Hammer entered his second season as linebackers coach, along with being the video coordinator. Barry was the leading tackler in 2015. The 2014 season was Hammer’s first year as linebackers coach and video coordinator. In 2013, Hammer mentored the wide receivers. Western New Mexico WR Ronell Pompey finished as one of the top wide receivers in the nation, totaling 1,241 yards and 12 touchdowns, while being named All-RMAC first team in 2013. In 2012, Hammer’s first season with the Mustangs, WR Marquis Sumpter gathered 1,175 receiving yards and 13 scores under Hammer’s direction as wide receivers coach.
Prior to WNMU, Hammer coached multiple teams in Germany. Most recently, Hammer was the head coach of the Kirchdorf Wildcats (GFL 2) in 2012. From 2007-2011, Hammer was the head coach of the Feldkirchen Lions. Hammer was named the Coach of the Year in 2009, while leading the Lions to three state final appearances in a row (2008-10), while winning the state championship in 2009. In 2007, Hammer was the wide receivers coach with the Koenigsbrunn Ants (GFL 2) and was the head coach/defensive coordinator with the Rosenheim Rebels (2004-06). Prior to coaching, Hammer played linebacker and was selected to the Bavarian All-Star team.
