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Tom Herman
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Tom Herman
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Thomas Herman III (born June 2, 1975) is an American college football coach who most recently served as the head coach for the Florida Atlantic Owls.[1] He was the head football coach for the Texas Longhorns from 2017 to 2020. Prior to that, he served as the head football coach for the Houston Cougars from 2015 to 2016.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

An only child,[2] Herman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and has family there. From age six he was raised in Simi Valley, California.[2] He earned his B.S. in Business Administration from California Lutheran University in 1997, where he was a Presidential Scholarship recipient and cum laude graduate. At California Lutheran he was an All-Southern California Athletic Conference wide receiver. He also earned a master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin.

Coaching career

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Early coaching career

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Herman began his coaching career in 1998 at Texas Lutheran as a receivers coach. He then took a position in 1999 at the University of Texas at Austin as a graduate assistant under the mentorship of Greg Davis.[3] During his tenure at Texas, Herman worked with the offensive line, which included All-American Leonard Davis.

Sam Houston State

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In 2004, they finished 11–3 and advanced to the Division I-AA championship's semifinals. The Bearkats' offense was ranked second nationally in passing offense, averaging 358.5 yards, while the Bearkats' 471 yards of total offense ranked fifth among Division I-AA schools.[4]

Texas State

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After four seasons at Sam Houston State, Herman joined Texas State as the offensive coordinator in 2005. During his two seasons at Texas State his squad led the Southland Conference in total offense and the 2005 team ranked eighth nationally in scoring. The Bobcats went on to make a deep run in the NCAA in the team's first ever Division I-AA appearance, while Barrick Nealy finished fifth in the voting for the Walter Payton Award (top offensive player in Division I-AA).[4]

Rice

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In 2007, Herman then followed head coach David Bailiff from Texas State to form the new coaching staff at Rice. Rice ranked in the Top 10 nationally in 2008 in passing offense (5th; 327.8), scoring offense (T8th; 41.6) and total offense (10th; 472.3). Two Rice receivers had more than 1,300 yards receiving that year, tight end James Casey had 111 catches and quarterback Chase Clement was the Conference USA MVP.[4][5]

Iowa State

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Herman at Iowa State

After building one of the nation's most prolific offenses at Rice, Herman joined Iowa State as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.[3][6] Iowa State's 52 points in a win over Texas Tech marked the most points put up by the Cyclones against a conference opponent in 38 years. Iowa State quarterback Austen Arnaud ended his career as the Cyclones No. 2 all-time leading passer with 6,777 yards and 42 touchdown passes. His 8,044 yards of total offense is the second-best total in school history. Running back Alexander Robinson finished his Iowa State career as the Cyclones' fourth all-time leading rusher with 3,309 yards.[7]

Ohio State

[edit]

On December 9, 2011, Urban Meyer selected Herman as his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Buckeyes.[8] On December 9, 2014, after leading Ohio State's fourth ranked offense to their first national title since 2002, while playing two backup quarterbacks, Herman was awarded the Broyles Award, given annually to the nation's top assistant coach.[9]

Houston

[edit]

On December 15, 2014, Herman was hired by Houston as its new head football coach. In the 2015 season, he led his 21st-ranked team to an 11–1 start and the Western Division title in the American Athletic Conference.[10] They won their first American Athletic Conference title by defeating the Temple Owls 24–13.[11]

On December 31, 2015, Herman led the 14th-ranked Cougars to a 38–24 victory over the 9th-ranked Florida State Seminoles at the Peach Bowl. The Cougars had not beaten an AP top-10 team in a bowl game since 1979. After the game, Herman stated that the Cougars had completed their return to national relevancy. The Cougars ended the season 13–1 and ranked #8 in both the AP and Coaches Polls, their highest post-season ranking since 1979.

In 2016, Herman's second season with Houston, the Cougars slipped to a 9–3 regular-season record. Among their nine wins were victories over Oklahoma and Louisville, each of which was ranked #3 in the AP Poll at the time Houston faced them.

Houston's overall record in its two seasons under Herman was 22–4, which included unblemished marks in home games at TDECU Stadium (14–0), in games versus teams ranked in the AP Poll (6–0), and in games versus teams from Power Five conferences (5–0). Herman's success with Houston brought him significant attention from the media and from multiple Power Five football programs throughout the season, which culminated in his hiring as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns immediately following Houston's final regular-season contest of 2016.

Texas

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On November 27, 2016, Herman was hired as the new head coach at Texas. He signed a five-year contract with a base salary of $5 million per year.[12] Texas would go 7–6 in Herman's first season at the helm, which culminated in a 33–16 victory over Missouri in the 2017 Texas Bowl.

In his second season at the helm, Herman led Texas to a 9–3 regular season record, including a 7–2 record in conference play, and a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game, which was the program's first since 2009. Texas defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, which clinched the first 10-win season for the Longhorns since 2009. Expectations were high for Herman's third season in 2019, but Texas posted a disappointing 7–5 regular season record. Texas defeated No. 11-ranked Utah in the 2019 Alamo Bowl by a final score of 38–10 to end the season on a high note. In 2020, the team again fell somewhat short of expectations, going 7–3, and Herman endured growing criticism amongst the fanbase relating to his handling of off-field issues, most notably a controversy relating to some players refusing to participate or even stay for the post-game singing of the school's alma mater, "The Eyes of Texas," due to its origin being traced to minstrelsy. Despite ending the season ranked (20th in the CFP) and having amassed four bowl wins in four seasons, Texas fired Herman on January 2, 2021.[13]

Chicago Bears

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Herman joined the Chicago Bears coaching staff in 2021 as an offensive analyst and special projects coach.[14] He was not retained by new head coach Matt Eberflus for the 2022 season.[15]

Florida Atlantic

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On December 1, 2022, Florida Atlantic announced Tom Herman as their next head coach.[16] Herman replaced Willie Taggart, who was fired after three years with the Owls.[17]

Herman was fired during his second season on November 18, 2024, after starting the season 0–6 in conference play and 2–8 overall. In just under 2 full seasons at FAU, his overall record was 6–16, and 3–11 in conference play.[18]

Personal life

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Herman is a member of Mensa International. He and his wife, Michelle, have a daughter and two sons.[2]

Media work

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During college Herman interned and worked in various positions in the sports broadcasting industry. He worked in television as a sports production assistant in Oxnard, California, a highlight coordinator for Fox-TV in Los Angeles and a producer/production assistant at XTRA Sports Radio in Los Angeles.

Head coaching record

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Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Houston Cougars (American Athletic Conference) (2015–2016)
2015 Houston 13–1 7–1 T–1st (West) W Peach† 8 8
2016 Houston 9–3 5–3 T–3rd (West) Las Vegas[note 1]
Houston: 22–4 12–4
Texas Longhorns (Big 12 Conference) (2017–2020)
2017 Texas 7–6 5–4 T–4th W Texas
2018 Texas 10–4 7–2 2nd W Sugar† 9 9
2019 Texas 8–5 5–4 T–3rd W Alamo 25
2020 Texas 7–3 5–3 3rd W Alamo 20 19
Texas: 32–18 22–13
Florida Atlantic Owls (American Athletic Conference) (2023–2024)
2023 Florida Atlantic 4–8 3–5 T–8th
2024 Florida Atlantic 2–8 0–6 [note 2]
Florida Atlantic: 6–16 3–9
Total: 60–36
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title or championship game berth

Notes

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  1. ^ Herman left for Texas after the regular season; new head coach Major Applewhite coached the Cougars against San Diego State in the Las Vegas Bowl.
  2. ^ Herman was fired after 10 games.

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tom Herman

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Thomas Herman III is an American college football coach whose career has featured notable early success followed by challenges in sustaining performance at major programs. Herman began his head coaching tenure at the University of Houston in 2015, where he posted a 22–4 record over two seasons, including a 13–1 campaign that secured an American Athletic Conference championship and a victory in the Peach Bowl. He subsequently led the University of Texas Longhorns from 2017 to 2020, achieving a 32–18 overall mark and guiding the team to three bowl appearances, though his tenure ended amid criticisms of recruiting shortfalls and team culture issues. In 2023, Herman took over at Florida Atlantic University, but compiled a disappointing 6–16 record across two seasons, resulting in his dismissal in November 2024. Herman's career head coaching record stands at 60–38 as of the end of the 2024 season, reflecting a .612 winning percentage primarily in FBS competition.

Early life

Upbringing and family background

Thomas Herman III was born on June 2, 1975, in , . As an , his parents divorced when he was one year old, after which he was raised primarily by his mother, Rita Thiet Herman, in a single-parent household initially. Herman's mother remarried when he was five years old, and the family relocated to , the following year due to his stepfather's job. Rita Herman exemplified a strong , earning her college degree at age 45 while raising her son, a trait she described as familial and which influenced Herman's own disciplined approach to life. The family maintained ties to , where extended relatives resided.

Education and athletic participation

Tom Herman attended in , from 1993 to 1997, where he earned a degree in . During his college years, Herman participated in football as a for the California Lutheran Kingsmen, earning all-conference honors despite enduring significant injuries, including 13 knee surgeries and four shoulder surgeries accumulated from high school and college play. His career at the level was marked by limited on-field snaps due to these physical setbacks, with no records of starting roles or substantial statistical output in major games, reflecting a modest athletic profile that contrasted with his emerging analytical strengths. These injury challenges contributed to Herman's early pivot toward coaching, recognizing his aptitude for strategy and player development over prolonged playing amid physical constraints, a realization that shaped his post-graduation trajectory into assistant roles.

Coaching career

Early assistant roles (1998–2014)

Herman's early coaching tenure began at the NCAA Division I-AA level with , where he served as wide receivers coach and special teams coordinator from 2001 to 2004. Under his guidance, the Bearkats' wide receiver unit contributed to two Football Championship Subdivision playoff appearances, including a quarterfinal run in 2001. In 2005, Herman advanced to and quarterbacks coach at , a position he held through 2006. His units led the in total offense both seasons and ranked eighth nationally in scoring offense, averaging 37.5 points per game in 2006. Herman then joined as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2007 to 2008. In 2008, Rice's offense ranked fifth nationally in passing yards per game (327.8), tied for eighth in scoring (41.6 points per game), and tenth in total offense (472.3 yards per game), breaking over 40 school records during his tenure. From 2009 to 2011, Herman coordinated the offense and coached at . His schemes elevated the Cyclones' production, including a program-record 52 points in a single game against Texas Tech in 2011 and consistent improvements in offensive efficiency from prior seasons' low national rankings. Herman concluded his assistant roles as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at from 2012 to 2014. He played a key role in developing quarterback into a two-time Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. In 2013, the Buckeyes went 12-2 with Herman overseeing quarterback development amid transitional challenges. The 2014 offense, which propelled Ohio State to a , ranked fifth nationally in scoring (44.8 ) and ninth in total yards (511.6 per game), earning Herman the as the nation's top assistant coach.

Head coach at Houston (2015–2016)

Herman was hired as head coach of the on December 16, 2014, following his role as offensive coordinator at State. In his debut 2015 season, he implemented a high-tempo emphasizing up-tempo plays and option elements, which propelled the team to a 13–1 overall record and 7–1 mark in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). The Cougars secured the AAC championship with a 24–13 victory over Temple on December 5, 2015, and concluded the year by defeating No. 9 Florida State 38–24 in the on December 31, 2015, marking Houston's first 13-win season since 2011. This offensive scheme ranked the team eighth nationally in scoring at 42.0 and 15th in total offense at 499.3 yards per game, driven by efficient play-calling that maximized possessions through sustained speed. In 2016, Herman's squad posted a 9–3 regular-season record (5–3 in the AAC), with the offense maintaining explosiveness at 35.8 points per game amid Greg Ward Jr.'s development into a dual-threat leader. Ward, a former receiver overlooked by major programs and transitioned to under Herman's evaluation, threw for 2,110 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,029 yards and 14 scores, exemplifying the coach's focus on versatile player utilization within the spread system. Herman's recruiting efforts during this period secured talents like offensive lineman M.J. Tafisi and Payton Turner, bolstering depth and contributing to back-to-back seasons of top-25 finishes. Herman's tenure elevated Houston from mid-tier status to national contender discussions, with a 22–4 overall record that highlighted the scheme's causal effectiveness in outpacing defenses through tempo and simplicity. On November 26, 2016, amid the regular season, he resigned to accept the head coaching position at , prompting Texas to pay Houston a $2.5 million as stipulated in his . This move sparked debates on whether his success had prematurely peaked Houston's trajectory or simply accelerated its visibility, though his schemes undeniably delivered verifiable on-field results without reliance on superior talent pools.

Head coach at Texas (2017–2020)

Herman assumed the head coaching position at the University of Texas in November 2016, leading the Longhorns to a 7–6 overall record in his debut 2017 season, including a 5–4 mark in Big 12 Conference play and a victory in the Texas Bowl over Missouri. The team showed early signs of revitalization under Herman's spread offense, which emphasized quarterback Sam Ehlinger's development, though inconsistencies against ranked opponents highlighted ongoing challenges in talent integration at a program with elevated expectations. The 2018 campaign marked a peak, with Texas achieving a 10–4 record (7–2 in the Big 12), securing a berth in the conference championship game—lost to Oklahoma—and defeating No. 5 Georgia 28–21 in the Sugar Bowl semifinal of the College Football Playoff. This 10-win season, the program's first since 2009, was bolstered by strong offensive output, including Ehlinger's 3,292 passing yards and 32 touchdowns, but defensive lapses persisted, allowing over 23 points per game on average. Performance regressed in 2019 to an 8–5 record (5–4 Big 12), followed by a 7–3 finish in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season (5–3 Big 12), as the Longhorns failed to contend for the conference title despite top-tier recruiting hauls—ranking No. 3 nationally in 2018 and top-5 in 2019 per industry composites. Recruiting rankings suggested ample talent acquisition, yet on-field utilization faltered, with the offense dipping in efficiency metrics like yards per play compared to 2018 peaks, amid schematic adjustments and injuries. To address defensive shortcomings—ranked outside the top 30 nationally in 2019—Herman dismissed coordinator Todd Orlando on December 2, 2019, and hired , a former colleague from Ohio State, as replacement on December 17. Texas terminated Herman on January 2, 2021, after an internal review deemed the program's progress insufficient relative to resources and benchmarks, triggering a of approximately $15 million for the remaining term of his contract plus staff obligations totaling around $24 million. Over four seasons, Herman compiled a 32–18 overall record (22–13 Big 12), with four bowl appearances but no conference championship, underscoring a plateau in translating high-end talent pipelines into sustained elite results at a historically dominant program.

Assistant coach with Chicago Bears (2022–2023)

Herman joined the Chicago Bears' staff on March 1, 2021, as an offensive analyst and special projects assistant under head coach Matt Nagy, marking his entry into professional football operations following his college head coaching tenure. In this off-field position, he analyzed opposing defenses and supported offensive planning, leveraging his experience with spread-option systems to adapt to the NFL's pro-style elements, including tighter route trees and emphasis on protection schemes. His time with the Bears overlapped with rookie quarterback ' inaugural season, during which Fields appeared in 12 games, completing 168 of 322 passes (52.1%) for 1,143 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, while rushing for 410 yards and 2 scores amid an offense ranked 27th in passing yards per game (169.5). Herman's analytical input contributed to schematic evaluations but did not extend to on-field coaching duties. The Bears finished 6-11 in 2021, leading to Nagy's dismissal on January 13, 2022, after which Herman departed the organization under new head coach . This NFL exposure provided Herman a transitional period amid a league rebuild focused on quarterback evaluation and offensive line investments, contrasting the recruiting-driven dynamics of college football, though it did not lead to immediate on-field assistant roles or head coaching opportunities in the pros.

Head coach at Florida Atlantic (2024)

Tom Herman's tenure at Florida Atlantic University concluded abruptly during the 2024 season after a disappointing performance marked by defensive lapses and offensive stagnation. The Owls, under Herman, compiled a 2–8 record in 2024 prior to his dismissal, including an 0–6 mark in American Athletic Conference play and a five-game losing streak. This followed a 4–8 finish in 2023, yielding a cumulative 6–16 record over parts of two seasons. The team ranked near the bottom nationally in key metrics, such as 129th in yards per rush attempt at 3.0, reflecting poor ground game efficiency despite an inherited roster from predecessor Willie Taggart's tenure. Defensive inefficiencies were particularly stark, with FAU allowing opponents a 56.91% rush play percentage, ranking 117th, and surrendering high point totals in conference losses, including 44 points to in a defeat that extended the skid. Turnover margins and execution failures compounded these issues, as the failed to capitalize on talent despite roster continuity challenges from prior recruiting shortfalls. Herman's offensive schemes, once a strength, yielded inconsistent results, with the team struggling to sustain drives against AAC defenses. On November 18, 2024, following a 24–38 loss to UTSA on October 19 that highlighted ongoing defensive breakdowns, FAU fired Herman with two games remaining, opting to pay approximately $4.1 million in obligations from his contract. Interim coach Lunsford took over, securing one win in the final contests, but the move underscored the administration's assessment that Herman's leadership had not reversed the program's trajectory despite initial expectations for a rebuild.

Achievements and successes

Recruiting accomplishments

Herman's recruiting acumen was evident during his tenure as co-offensive coordinator at from 2012 to 2014, where he specialized in attracting top talent from , earning the moniker "Lone Star Bandit." He served as the primary recruiter for four of Ohio State's highest-rated signees in the 2013 recruiting class, including wide receiver Dontre Wilson from DeSoto High School, a four-star prospect ranked among the nation's elite. As head coach at the University of Texas from 2017 to 2020, Herman assembled multiple top-tier recruiting classes, with the 2018 cycle ranking No. 3 nationally per composite rankings and featuring five of the top six signees on defense, including B.J. Foster, the No. 2 in the country with a 0.9865 composite rating. The 2019 class similarly finished No. 3 nationally, bolstering the program's talent base with high-end prospects across positions. These hauls included future NFL contributors such as linebacker (2017 class, third-round pick by the in 2022), Jordan Whittington (2018 class, fifth-round pick by the Cowboys in 2023), and Roschon Johnson (2020 class, fourth-round pick by the in 2023), demonstrating the long-term value of his evaluations. At from 2015 to 2016, Herman prioritized in-state recruits, securing classes that punched above the program's weight class by emphasizing regional pipelines and developmental prospects, though specific national rankings hovered in the 40s per composite metrics. In contrast, his head coaching stint at beginning in 2024 yielded more modest results, with the 2024 class drawing 85% of commits from in-state and averaging a travel distance of 497 miles, but falling outside the top 100 nationally; the 2025 cycle showed promise in receiver talent acquisition.
Recruiting CycleProgramNational Rank (247Sports Composite)Notable High-Rated Signees
2018No. 3B.J. Foster (0.9865 rating, No. 2 )
2019No. 3Multiple four-star defenders and skill players
Herman's track record underscores how elite recruiting establishes a program's ceiling by amassing superior athletic talent, which empirically correlates with competitive edges in schematic matchups and player development pipelines, even amid variable on-field translation.

Bowl game and postseason results

Tom Herman compiled a 4-2 record in six bowl games as a head coach, with victories in the 2015 Peach Bowl, 2017 Texas Bowl, 2018 Sugar Bowl, and 2020 Alamo Bowl, alongside losses in the 2016 Las Vegas Bowl and 2019 Alamo Bowl. This postseason success rate of .667 exceeds his overall career winning percentage of .612 across 98 games, highlighting stronger end-of-season execution despite regular-season variability, particularly at Texas where teams often faltered in conference play but capitalized on bowl preparation.
DateBowl GameTeamOpponentResultScore
December 31, 2015Peach BowlHoustonFlorida StateW30–6
December 17, 2016Las Vegas BowlHoustonSan Diego StateL10–34
December 27, 2017Texas BowlTexasMissouriW33–16
January 1, 2019Sugar BowlTexasGeorgiaW28–21
December 31, 2019Alamo BowlTexasUtahL14–30
December 30, 2020Alamo BowlTexasColoradoW55–23
In the 2015 Peach Bowl, Houston dominated No. 10 Florida State with a stifling defense that limited the Seminoles to 185 total yards and forced three turnovers, while Greg Ward Jr. rushed for two touchdowns and passed for another, securing a decisive shutout in the second half. The 2018 Sugar Bowl featured Texas rallying from a 14-point deficit against No. 5 Georgia, with a balanced attack producing 426 offensive yards and key defensive stands to preserve the upset victory. The 2020 Alamo Bowl showcased offensive firepower, as Texas exploded for 55 points against , including 359 passing yards from and multiple scoring drives that underscored improved red-zone efficiency absent in prior regular-season inconsistencies. Losses revealed vulnerabilities in execution under pressure: the 2016 saw Houston manage only 10 points amid four turnovers and 288 penalty yards, contrasting their explosive regular-season form. Similarly, the 2019 ended in a 30-14 defeat to , where Texas committed three turnovers and scored just one after halftime, mirroring broader regular-season issues with sustaining drives against disciplined defenses. These postseason outcomes, while not flawless, demonstrate Herman's ability to elevate team focus for high-stakes games, often forcing more opponent turnovers (average 2.0 per win) and converting scoring opportunities at higher rates than in uneven conference matchups.

Awards and professional recognition

Herman earned the in 2014 as Ohio State's offensive coordinator, an accolade given annually to the top assistant coach in by the Broyles Award Association, for orchestrating an offense that ranked fifth nationally in scoring at 44.8 points per game and ninth in total offense with 511.6 yards per game. He also received the FootballScoop Offensive Coordinator of the Year honor for his work that season. During his inaugural year as head coach at in 2015, Herman was named the (FWAA) First-Year Coach of the Year and co-recipient of the American Athletic Conference (AAC) Coach of the Year award, shared with Navy's , recognizing his leadership in achieving a conference-best performance. He additionally won the FWAA Steve Spurrier First-Year Coach Award, presented to the top debut head coach at a program. Herman was a finalist for both the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award and the Coach of the Year Award that year.

Criticisms and controversies

Management and player relations issues

During Tom Herman's tenure as head coach at the University of from 2017 to 2020, reports indicated significant player dissatisfaction, including instances where current Longhorns players actively discouraged high school recruits from joining the program, citing internal as a deterrent. This negative recruiting by players contributed to broader challenges in maintaining roster stability and team morale. Empirical evidence of relational strains appeared in elevated player turnover, particularly via the transfer portal; for example, Texas's recruiting class—ranked No. 3 nationally under Herman—saw 16 of its members depart through transfers, with only five remaining on the roster by late 2021, alongside four medical retirements. Such outflows exceeded typical expectations for a top-tier class, reflecting difficulties in fostering long-term player commitment and cohesion. At in 2024, Herman's program faced similar hurdles in building team unity amid roster flux from the transfer portal. Key departures included star wide receiver LaJohntay Wester, who transferred to Florida State, and Michael Johnson Jr., prior to the season, weakening offensive depth despite incoming additions. The ' 2-8 record, marked by a five-game , underscored failures in rapid team integration, as the influx of transfers did not translate to sustained performance or evident cultural buy-in from the group. Post-firing portal activity further highlighted instability, with approximately seven players entering the market shortly after Herman's dismissal on November 18, 2024. These patterns suggest causal links between management approaches and player retention, where high mobility in the NIL and portal era amplified underlying relational disconnects rather than resolving them.

Firing circumstances and performance shortfalls

Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte announced Tom Herman's dismissal as head football coach on January 2, 2021, following a 32-18 overall record across four seasons (2017–2020), which equated to a .640 winning percentage but fell short of expectations for consistent Big 12 Conference contention at a program with Texas's resources and history. Herman's teams achieved a 21-13 mark in Big 12 play but managed only one victory in five tries against rival Oklahoma, contributing to perceptions of underperformance relative to recruiting talent and preseason hype. The decision incurred a buyout exceeding $20 million, reflecting the high financial stakes of the program's impatience with mediocrity despite bowl appearances in each season. Florida Atlantic University fired Herman on November 18, 2024, with two games remaining in his second season, after compiling a 6-16 overall record (.273 winning percentage) that included a 4-8 finish in 2023 and a 2-8 mark in 2024, marked by an 0-6 American Athletic Conference record and a five-game losing streak. This outcome contrasted sharply with Herman's prior successes at Houston and Texas, where his offenses ranked highly, but at FAU, the team languished near the bottom of FBS scoring metrics, underscoring a failure to adapt schemes to available personnel and elevate a Group of Five program. The dismissal, with three years left on his contract, obligated FAU to a substantial buyout, prioritizing administrative reset over continuity amid evident stagnation in wins and conference standing.

Public incidents and media interactions

During his time as head coach at , Tom Herman was captured on extending both middle fingers toward a camera in the team's war room during coverage on December 18, 2019. Herman issued an apology shortly after, explaining the gesture was made in frustration during a private moment and not meant for public viewing. In the 2017 Texas Bowl against Missouri on December 29, 2017, video footage showed Herman and Texas players mocking Missouri quarterback Drew Lock's earlier touchdown celebration after Lock threw an interception returned for a touchdown. The clip, which circulated widely online, highlighted Herman's animated sideline reactions during the 33-16 victory. On November 1, 2024, after Florida Atlantic's 44-21 loss to South Florida, Herman pursued USF head coach Alex Golesh during the postgame handshake line, yelling at him following Golesh's reported brush-off of Herman's extended hand. Video evidence captured the exchange, which Herman later described as a reaction to Golesh's perceived lack of sportsmanship in quickly walking past without a proper congratulations. The incident drew attention to Herman's history of visible emotional responses in competitive settings.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Tom Herman has been married to Michelle Herman since 2001. The couple met earlier in Herman's coaching career, with Michelle providing stability by relocating from a high-paying job in California to support his early professional moves, such as to Texas after their wedding. Herman and his wife have three children: a daughter, Priya, and two sons, Maddock Thomas Danger and Maverick. The family has maintained a relatively private profile amid Herman's frequent relocations for coaching positions, including discussions as a unit before his 2023 move to , where the children were older and more involved in the decision.

Philanthropic and community involvement

During his tenure as head coach at the University of Texas from 2017 to 2020, Tom Herman and his wife Michelle engaged in charitable giving motivated by Herman's personal experiences, including the death of his homeless father, which prompted $10,000 donations each to the Central Texas Food Bank, Safe Alliance (an organization addressing domestic violence), and Meals on Wheels in April 2020. The couple also volunteered time at local nonprofits, including packing and distributing food at the Central Texas Food Bank and supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area by delivering bags of food necessities and school curriculum to needy families in April 2020, an effort coordinated with quarterback Sam Ehlinger. Herman committed to speaking at future fundraising events for these groups once in-person gatherings resumed. In response to the , Herman and his family donated to the University of Texas Student Emergency Fund in April 2020 to aid students facing financial hardships. He further supported community relief by contributing time and funds to local food banks throughout . During his earlier stint at the from 2015 to 2016, Herman participated in initiatives generating charitable funds, such as a 2016 event where he and former Cougar helped raise $20,000 for Houston-area charities through scholarship and donation proceeds. Herman's involvement has centered on direct aid to food insecurity, family support services, and organizations rather than establishing personal foundations or large-scale programs, with activities peaking amid crises like the . No records indicate sustained football camps explicitly tied to charitable causes during his coaching periods.

Post-coaching activities

Media and analytical roles

Following his dismissal from the University of Texas in January 2021, Herman served as an offensive analyst for the during the , contributing to game planning and scheme development under head coach . In this advisory capacity, he focused on evaluating offensive strategies and personnel, drawing from his college coaching experience without direct on-air media duties. Transitioning to broadcasting in 2022 amid ongoing unemployment from head coaching, Herman joined as a studio analyst for coverage, providing expert commentary on games and offensive tactics during the season. His analysis emphasized play-calling nuances and scheme adaptations, leveraging his prior successes at and , though his tenure lasted only one year before returning to coaching at . After his termination from FAU on November 18, 2024, Herman secured an offensive analyst position with an team in March 2025, assisting Matt Nagy and the offensive coordinator in scheme evaluation and player development. This role marked his second NFL analytical stint, prioritizing behind-the-scenes advisory work over public punditry, with no reported broadcasting appearances on networks such as or as of October 2025.

Potential future opportunities

Herman's offensive expertise, honed through successful coordinator stints including a 52-11 record at from 2015 to 2019, remains a potential asset for coordinator positions at , where programs seek proven play-callers amid evolving schemes influenced by NIL and transfer portal dynamics. However, his trajectory has been hampered by head coaching shortfalls, notably a 6-16 mark at Florida Atlantic leading to his November 18, 2024 dismissal after a 2-8 start in 2024, exacerbating perceptions of diminished viability for Power Four roles. The 2025 coaching carousel, characterized by a preference for rising coordinators with immediate recruiting impact and fewer reclamation projects, underscores challenges for Herman, whose prior Texas tenure ended amid 32-18 overall but with criticisms of cultural and developmental issues. Analysts note that repeated firings signal risk to athletic directors prioritizing stability, potentially relegating him to advisory capacities unless demonstrated NFL contributions—such as his March 2025 offensive analyst role with the —yield tangible schematic improvements. Advancement within the Bears' staff, assisting head coach and coordinator on an offense ranked near the bottom in yards per play prior to his arrival, could open pathways to position coach openings, aligning with league trends toward importing college offensive minds for quarterback development. Yet, without rapid on-field validation by October 2025, sustained head coaching prospects appear limited, as industry observers view his arc as a cautionary example of early promise eroded by execution gaps.

Coaching statistics

Overall head coaching record

Tom Herman's overall head coaching record in FBS football stands at 60 wins and 38 losses over eight seasons from 2015 to 2024, corresponding to a of .612. His teams qualified for six games, posting a 5–1 record (.833 ).
InstitutionYearsOverall RecordWinning Pct.
2015–201622–4.846
2017–202032–18.640
Florida Atlantic2023–20246–16.273
Career Total2015–202460–38.612
Herman's conference records aggregated across the American Athletic Conference (Houston and Florida Atlantic) and [Big 12 Conference](/page/Big 12 Conference) (Texas) totaled 34 wins and 27 losses (.557 winning percentage), reflecting performance in 61 conference games.

Team-specific records and analysis

At , Herman compiled a 22-4 record over two seasons (2015: 13-1; 2016: 9-3), achieving an AAC co-championship in 2015 and a appearance. The Cougars ranked highly in efficiency metrics, with SRS ratings of 12.32 (17th nationally) in 2015 and 5.44 (43rd) in 2016, reflecting strong performance adjusted for opponent strength. This success occurred in the AAC, a conference with lower overall talent depth compared to power conferences, bolstered by inheritance of a competitive roster from predecessor (who posted 51-26 from 2011-2014) and key non-conference wins like a 24-17 upset over No. 15 in 2016. Returning production and offensive discipline contributed, as Herman's teams ranked 34th in offensive efficiency and 15th defensively in 2015, though schedule strength (SOS around neutral to weak) limited broader contention. Herman's tenure at Texas yielded a 32-18 record across four seasons (2017: 7-6; 2018: 8-5; 2019: 8-5; 2020: 7-3), including four straight bowl berths and a perfect 4-0 bowl record (e.g., win over Georgia). However, the Longhorns failed to win a Big 12 title or exceed eight regular-season wins, with SRS metrics indicating middling adjusted performance amid a tougher schedule in a talent-rich conference (e.g., consistent matchups against and other power programs). Recruiting yielded top-10 classes, but development lagged relative to talent baselines, as evidenced by low returning production in key years (e.g., 48% overall in 2019) and losses in high-stakes games, suggesting causal limitations in game management and defensive consistency despite offensive gains. At FAU, Herman posted a 6-16 mark in under two seasons (2023: 4-8; : 2-8 at firing), with an SRS of -11.89 (122nd) in 2024 highlighting poor efficiency. Despite inheriting a post-Lane Kiffin roster with high returning production (83% overall in 2023, including 99% defensive), the Owls regressed in the AAC, facing moderate schedule strength ( SOS: -6.14, 121st) but struggling with defensive breakdowns and inability to leverage offensive talent. This underperformance, against expectations from Herman's prior resumes, points to recruitment shortfalls and adaptation issues in a rebuild, contrasting Kiffin's 26-13 peak (2017-2019). Comparatively, Herman's records reflect contextual variances: Houston's outsized winning percentage benefited from conference weakness and inherited momentum, yielding top-40 SRS; Texas' mediocrity stemmed from elevated competition and unmet talent expectations; FAU's failures exposed rebuild challenges despite favorable returning cores, with bottom-quartile SRS underscoring execution gaps over raw wins. These disparities, evaluated via adjusted metrics like SRS (which accounts for margin and opponent quality), indicate Herman's schemes thrived in lower-stakes environments but faltered against power-level pressures or rapid turnarounds.
TeamYearsRecordKey SRS Seasons (Rank)Notes on Context
2015-1622-42015: 12.32 (17th); 2016: 5.44 (43rd)AAC; inherited strength; weak
2017-2032-18Mid-tier adjusted (e.g., 2017 ~8th overall equiv.)Big 12; high talent; tougher
FAU2023-246-162024: -11.89 (122nd)AAC; high returning prod.; poor execution

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