Things Aren’t Looking Very Good for Former Texas Coach Tom Herman at Florida Atlantic
Tom Herman’s tenure at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) was supposed to be his redemption arc, a chance to re-establish himself as a top-tier head coach after his tumultuous exit from Texas. But as we approach the end of his first season at FAU, it’s becoming increasingly clear that things aren’t going according to plan for Herman, who was once considered one of the brightest offensive minds in college football.
The Hype That Never Materialized
When Herman was hired by FAU, there was an overwhelming sense of optimism surrounding the program. Herman, who led the Houston Cougars to a 13-1 record in 2015 and a Peach Bowl victory, was seen as a steal for FAU. His four-year stint at Texas might have ended on a sour note, but it included four winning seasons, a Big 12 Championship appearance, and a Sugar Bowl win over Georgia. FAU fans hoped he could replicate some of that magic in Boca Raton.
However, this season has been a harsh reality check. The Owls are sitting at a mediocre record, hovering around the .500 mark, which is far from what was expected when Herman took the reins. The offense, which was supposed to be Herman’s forte, has been inconsistent at best. The defense, despite showing flashes of potential, has struggled to close out games.
Questionable Decisions and Lack of Progress
A significant part of Herman’s struggles at FAU can be traced back to some questionable coaching decisions. Whether it’s the poor clock management that cost FAU a winnable game or his insistence on sticking with certain players despite their lackluster performances, Herman’s decision-making has been under scrutiny. Critics argue that he hasn’t adjusted to the level of competition in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), which, while not the Power 5, is certainly no cakewalk.
One of the most glaring issues has been the quarterback situation. Herman was supposed to bring stability to the position, yet FAU’s quarterback play has been erratic all season. His reluctance to commit to a single starter has led to a carousel of quarterbacks, each unable to build any rhythm or confidence. For someone who was once heralded as a quarterback whisperer, this has been a baffling development.
Recruiting Woes and a Diminishing Pipeline
Another concerning aspect of Herman’s early tenure is recruiting. FAU was supposed to benefit from Herman’s ties to the Texas high school football scene and his reputation as a dynamic recruiter. But so far, he hasn’t delivered the expected influx of talent. The Owls’ 2024 recruiting class is shaping up to be mediocre, lacking the star power that could elevate the program in the AAC.
The lack of high-profile recruits is alarming, especially in Florida—a state known for producing elite football talent. FAU’s inability to compete with the likes of UCF, USF, and even some Group of Five programs in attracting top local talent is a troubling sign for Herman’s long-term prospects. If he can’t secure the players he needs to build a competitive roster, it’s hard to see FAU making any significant strides under his leadership.
A Lost Locker Room?
Perhaps the most damning evidence that Herman’s tenure at FAU is off to a rocky start is the growing rumors of unrest within the locker room. Multiple sources have hinted at dissatisfaction among players, with some questioning Herman’s coaching style and his ability to connect with the team. The fiery demeanor that made Herman a fan favorite at Houston and, for a time, at Texas, seems to have lost its luster.
There are whispers that some players have already tuned him out, frustrated by the lack of clear direction and accountability. If these reports are true, it could spell disaster for Herman, as losing the locker room this early into his tenure would make it nearly impossible to turn things around.
Is Tom Herman Overrated?
All of this begs the question: was Tom Herman overrated from the start? While his early success at Houston was impressive, his time at Texas was marked by inconsistency and underperformance relative to the lofty expectations. Now, at FAU, it’s starting to look like Herman’s struggles at Texas were less about the pressures of a high-profile job and more about his shortcomings as a head coach.
Some critics have argued that Herman’s success at Houston was an outlier rather than a true reflection of his coaching abilities. They point to the fact that he inherited a talented roster at Houston and benefitted from a relatively weak schedule. Meanwhile, his inability to maximize the resources at Texas and now his early struggles at FAU suggest that maybe Herman isn’t the coaching savant many believed him to be.
A Critical Year Ahead
It’s still early in Tom Herman’s tenure at FAU, and it would be premature to write him off completely. However, the warning signs are there, and if things don’t improve soon, the whispers of dissatisfaction could turn into full-blown calls for change. Herman was brought in to elevate FAU to new heights, but so far, he’s struggled to even keep them afloat.
If Herman can’t deliver a strong finish to the season and show significant progress in 2024, FAU might be looking for another coach sooner than anyone expected. For now, Tom Herman remains on the hot seat, with the pressure mounting to prove that he’s still the coach everyone once thought he could be.
It’s do-or-die time for Tom Herman, and the clock is ticking.
