Tom Herman, the former Texas Longhorns head coach, is joining the Florida State Seminoles' coaching staff, marking a significant development in college football. This move comes as Florida State undergoes some staff changes, with Offensive Coordinator Gus Malzahn stepping away and Assistant Coach Tim Harris promoted to replace him. Herman's addition to the staff is expected to provide valuable insights and experience, given his extensive background in the college game and previous roles as an offensive coordinator at multiple institutions.
Herman's coaching career has been marked by both success and challenges. He began his head coaching career at Houston, where he compiled a 13-1 record in his first year, winning the Peach Bowl and reaching the American Conference Championship. This success led to his appointment as the head coach at Texas, where he won a bowl game in each of his four seasons, including a 10-win season in his second year that culminated in the Big 12 Championship Game and a Sugar Bowl victory. However, his tenure at Texas ended in 2020 after a series of off-field issues, leaving him with a 32-18 overall record.
Despite his achievements, Herman's time at Texas was not without controversy. He faced criticism for a handful of off-field reasons, leading to his eventual firing. His record with the Owls at Florida Atlantic was less impressive, with a 6-16 record, including a 3-9 mark in the American Conference. The team struggled in his second season, starting 0-6 in conference play before he was let go.
Florida State's recent struggles have been a concern, with the team going just 7-17 over the last two years after a strong 13-1 finish in 2023. Head coach Mike Norvell remains on the hot seat, despite a hefty buyout providing some protection. The addition of Herman is seen as a strategic move to address the team's challenges and potentially improve their performance.
Herman's role on the Florida State staff is yet to be specified, but his wealth of knowledge and experience in the college game make him a valuable asset. His previous roles as an offensive coordinator at Texas State, Rice, Iowa State, and Ohio State, along with his head coaching experience, position him to contribute significantly to the team's success. The Seminoles' decision to bring in Herman is a strategic move that could potentially turn around their fortunes and restore the program's glory.
