40 Facts About Tom Herman

Early Life and Education

Tom Herman's journey in football began with a solid foundation in education and early life experiences that shaped his future.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on June 2, 1975, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Tom Herman was the only child of his parents. At six, his family moved to Simi Valley, California, where he spent his formative years.

2. Education: Herman earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Lutheran University in 1997. He was a Presidential Scholarship recipient and graduated cum laude.

3. Athletic Background: While at California Lutheran, Herman was an All-Southern California Athletic Conference wide receiver, showcasing his talent on the field.

4. Master’s Degree: He also pursued a master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked as a graduate assistant under Greg Davis.

Early Coaching Career

Herman's coaching career began with humble beginnings, which laid the groundwork for his future success.

5. Coaching Career: Herman started his coaching career in 1998 as a receivers coach at Texas Lutheran.

6. Texas Lutheran: His first coaching job paid $5,000 a year, and he received two meal swipes a day at the cafeteria. This modest start was crucial in shaping his work ethic.

7. University of Texas: In 1999, Herman joined the University of Texas at Austin as a graduate assistant, working under Greg Davis. He assisted with the offensive line and helped the team win several bowl games.

8. Sam Houston State: From 2001 to 2004, Herman served as an assistant coach at Sam Houston State, working as the special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach. The team won two conference titles and advanced to the FCS semifinals and quarterfinals.

Rise to Prominence

Herman's career took off as he moved to more prominent coaching positions, gaining recognition for his achievements.

9. Rice University: In 2007 and 2008, Herman was the offensive coordinator at Rice University. The Owls broke over 40 school records and won 10 games, including a bowl appearance for the first time since 1954.

10. Iowa State: From 2009 to 2011, Herman served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Iowa State. His balanced offense led to significant achievements, including Austen Arnaud becoming the Cyclones' No. 2 all-time leading passer.

Head Coach at Houston Cougars

Herman's tenure at Houston marked a significant milestone in his career, bringing him national attention.

11. Houston Cougars: In 2015, Herman became the head coach of the Houston Cougars. He compiled a 22-4 record over two seasons, with unblemished marks in home games, games versus ranked teams, and games versus Power Five conference teams.

Leading the Texas Longhorns

Herman's move to the Texas Longhorns was a high-profile appointment that brought both challenges and successes.

12. Texas Longhorns: Appointed as head coach in 2016, Herman led the team to a 9-3 regular season record in his first season, including a berth in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Longhorns defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl, securing their first 10-win season since 2009.

13. Texas Longhorns (Continued): In his third season, Herman led Texas to a 7-5 regular season record, ending with a victory over No. 11-ranked Utah in the 2019 Alamo Bowl.

14. Texas Longhorns (Continued): In 2020, Herman coached Texas to a 7-3 record, culminating with a second straight victory in the Alamo Bowl over Colorado. Despite four bowl wins in four seasons, Herman was fired on January 2, 2021.

Transition to the NFL and Return to College Football

After his time with the Longhorns, Herman explored opportunities in the NFL before returning to college football.

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

16. Florida Atlantic Owls: On December 1, 2022, Florida Atlantic announced Herman as their next head coach, replacing Willie Taggart. Herman has been instrumental in resetting the team for American Athletic Conference play.

Personal Life and Philosophy

Herman's personal life and coaching philosophy have played a significant role in his career.

17. Personal Life: Herman is a member of Mensa International. He and his wife, Michelle, have a daughter named Priya and two sons named Maddock and Maverick.

18. Media Work: During college, Herman interned and worked in various positions in the sports broadcasting industry, including television and radio.

19. Leadership Style: Known for his leadership style, Herman emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and community support. He believes a strong team includes the community that supports them.

20. Football Philosophy: Herman's football philosophy centers around creating a well-balanced offense that can compete with any team. Execution, strategy, and player development are key components.

Community Involvement and Recognition

Herman's commitment to community involvement and his recognition in the media highlight his broader impact.

21. Community Involvement: Actively involved in various community initiatives, Herman supports local charities and promotes youth football programs.

22. Media Recognition: Herman has received national recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors and was named the Celeste Williams Star Sportswriter of the Year by the Texas Association of Managing Editors in 2022.

Coaching Philosophy and Team Culture

Herman's approach to coaching and team culture has been a cornerstone of his success.

23. Coaching Philosophy: Herman's coaching philosophy focuses on creating a positive and supportive team environment, building strong relationships with players and staff.

24. Player Development: Known for developing players both on and off the field, Herman emphasizes academic support and personal growth.

25. Game Strategy: A strategic coach, Herman is known for his innovative game plans and adaptability during games.

26. Team Culture: Herman emphasizes hard work, dedication, and teamwork, which he believes are essential for success both on and off the field.

Florida Atlantic’s New Era

Herman's appointment at Florida Atlantic marks a new chapter in his coaching career.

27. Florida Atlantic’s New Era: As head coach of the Florida Atlantic Owls, Herman is excited about bringing a new era of success to the program.

28. Season Opener: The FAU Owls are set to host their season opener against Monmouth on September 2, 2023. Herman is eager to see his team in action.

29. South Florida Community: Herman has two messages for the South Florida community: the need for their support and the pride of the Tri-County area.

Leadership and Media Engagement

Herman's leadership extends beyond the field, including media engagements and community support.

30. Leadership in Football: Herman’s leadership is about building a strong team culture and empowering players to take ownership of their roles.

31. Media Interviews: Herman has given several media interviews, including an exclusive interview with Paige Kornblue, discussing his outlook on the season and his thoughts on leadership, football, fatherhood, fitness, and his career.

Extensive Coaching Experience

Herman's extensive coaching experience has prepared him well for his current role at Florida Atlantic.

32. Coaching Experience: With over two decades of coaching experience, Herman has worked at various institutions, including Texas Lutheran, the University of Texas, Sam Houston State, Rice, Iowa State, and Houston.

33. Offensive Analyst: Before becoming the head coach at FAU, Herman served as an offensive analyst for the Chicago Bears in 2021.

34. Television Analyst: In 2022, Herman worked as a television analyst for CBS Sports, staying connected to the game while gaining a broader perspective.

Return to Coaching and Team Building

Herman's return to coaching and focus on team building are crucial for the upcoming season.

35. Return to Coaching: After a brief stint in media work, Herman returned to coaching, eager to make a difference in the lives of his players.

36. Florida Atlantic’s New Season: With the new season approaching, Herman believes the Owls have the potential to make a significant impact in the American Athletic Conference.

37. Team Building: Herman has been actively involved in building a strong team at FAU, acquiring new coaches, recruiting strong transfers, and resetting the team for conference play.

Community Engagement and Legacy

Herman's emphasis on community engagement and his legacy in football highlight his broader impact.

38. Community Engagement: Herman encourages his players to engage with the local community and be ambassadors for the team.

39. Legacy in Football: Tom Herman’s legacy in football is one of dedication, hard work, and passion for the game. His contributions have inspired countless players and coaches.

40. Future Goals: As he continues to lead the FAU Owls, Herman's focus remains on building a strong team culture and achieving success in the American Athletic Conference.

Tom Herman's Impact on College Football

Tom Herman's journey through college football coaching is nothing short of impressive. From his early days at Texas Lutheran to leading the Texas Longhorns and now the Florida Atlantic Owls, Herman's dedication and passion for the game shine through. His strategic mind and ability to build strong team cultures have left a lasting mark on every program he's touched. Herman's commitment to player development, both on and off the field, sets him apart as a coach who truly cares about his athletes. As he continues to lead FAU into a new era, his legacy in college football will undoubtedly grow. With a focus on community support and innovative game strategies, Herman is poised to make the Owls a formidable force in the American Athletic Conference. His story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game.