Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tom Herman

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 14, 2026

Discover the career path of Tom Herman, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Tom Herman is an American football coach known for his successful tenure as a head coach at the collegiate level. He gained national prominence as the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, where he won the 2014 Broyles Award, given to the nation's top assistant coach. This success led him to become the head coach at the University of Houston, where he achieved notable victories, including an upset of Florida State in the Peach Bowl. He subsequently served as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns from 2017 to 2020, leading the team to multiple bowl game wins. Known for his intense coaching style and offensive acumen, Herman has also held positions as an offensive analyst in the NFL and as the head coach at Florida Atlantic University. His career is characterized by his ability to develop quarterbacks and his focus on high-energy, performance-driven team culture.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1998: Start of Coaching Career at Texas Lutheran

In 1998, Tom Herman officially launched his professional coaching career by serving as a receivers coach for Texas Lutheran University.

1999: Graduate Assistant Position at University of Texas at Austin

During 1999, Tom Herman transitioned to the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked as a graduate assistant under the guidance of mentor Greg Davis and collaborated with the offensive line, including All-American athlete Leonard Davis.

2004: Bearkats 2004 Football Season Success

During the 2004 season, the Bearkats football team achieved an 11–3 record and reached the semifinals of the Division I-AA championship. Their offensive performance was highly ranked, placing second nationally in passing with an average of 358.5 yards per game and fifth in total offense with 471 yards per game.

2005: Texas State Offensive Coordinator Appointment and Performance

In 2005, Tom Herman joined Texas State as the offensive coordinator. During this year, his squad led the Southland Conference in total offense, ranked eighth nationally in scoring, and helped guide the team to a significant run in their first-ever Division I-AA NCAA appearance.

2007: Transition to Rice University Coaching Staff

In 2007, Tom Herman joined the Rice University football coaching staff, following head coach David Bailiff after their tenure together at Texas State.

2008: Rice University Offensive Success

Throughout 2008, the Rice University football team achieved national recognition for its high-powered offense, ranking in the Top 10 for passing, scoring, and total yardage, while individual players like James Casey and Chase Clement earned significant accolades.

2009: Previous Texas Football Benchmarks

In 2009, the University of Texas football program achieved historical milestones, including an appearance in the Big 12 Championship Game and reaching a 10-win season, both of which Tom Herman would eventually help the team reach again in 2018.

December 9, 2011: Hired as Offensive Coordinator for Ohio State

On December 9, 2011, Urban Meyer officially appointed Tom Herman to serve as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

December 15, 2014: Herman Hired as Houston Head Coach

On December 15, 2014, Tom Herman officially accepted the position of head football coach for the University of Houston.

2015: Houston Football Success under Herman

During the 2015 season, Tom Herman guided the 21st-ranked Houston team to an impressive 11–1 start, captured the American Athletic Conference Western Division title, and secured an American Athletic Conference championship victory by defeating the Temple Owls 24–13.

2015: Appointment as Head Coach for Houston Cougars

In 2015, Tom Herman was appointed as the head football coach for the Houston Cougars, marking a significant step in his coaching career.

December 31, 2015: Peach Bowl Victory over Florida State

On December 31, 2015, Tom Herman coached the 14th-ranked Houston Cougars to a significant 38–24 win against the 9th-ranked Florida State Seminoles in the Peach Bowl, marking the program's return to national prominence and securing a final season ranking of #8.

November 27, 2016: Hired as Head Coach at Texas

On November 27, 2016, Tom Herman was officially appointed as the head coach for the University of Texas football team, securing a five-year contract with an annual base salary of $5 million.

2016: Conclusion of Houston Cougars Tenure

After serving as the head football coach for the Houston Cougars starting in 2015, Tom Herman finished his tenure with the team in 2016.

2016: Houston Cougars 2016 Season

During the 2016 college football season, Tom Herman's second year as head coach, the University of Houston Cougars finished with a 9–3 regular-season record, notably defeating two teams ranked third in the AP Poll, Oklahoma and Louisville.

2016: Tom Herman Hired as Texas Longhorns Head Coach

Following a successful two-year tenure at the University of Houston where he achieved a 22–4 record, Tom Herman was hired as the head coach of the Texas Longhorns immediately after the conclusion of the 2016 regular season.

2017: 2017 Texas Bowl Victory

During the 2017 season, Tom Herman led the Texas Longhorns to a 7–6 record, which concluded with a dominant 33–16 win against Missouri in the 2017 Texas Bowl.

2017: Appointment as Head Coach for Texas Longhorns

In 2017, Tom Herman began his tenure as the head football coach for the Texas Longhorns, a position he held until 2020.

2019: 2019 Football Season Performance

During the 2019 season, Tom Herman's team faced high expectations but finished the regular season with a 7–5 record; however, the season concluded on a positive note with a 38–10 victory over Utah in the 2019 Alamo Bowl.

2020: Conclusion of Texas Longhorns Tenure

Tom Herman concluded his time serving as the head football coach for the Texas Longhorns in 2020.

January 2, 2021: Termination of Employment at Texas

On January 2, 2021, Tom Herman was officially fired from his position as head football coach at the University of Texas despite having secured four bowl game victories over his four-season tenure.

2021: CBS Sports Network College Football Commentary

During 2021, Tom Herman transitioned into the broadcasting booth, serving as an in-game color commentator for CBS Sports Network’s college football coverage, frequently working alongside play-by-play announcer Carter Blackburn.

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2021: Joining Chicago Bears Coaching Staff

In 2021, Tom Herman accepted a position as an offensive analyst and special projects coach for the Chicago Bears.

December 1, 2022: Tom Herman named head coach at Florida Atlantic

On December 1, 2022, Florida Atlantic University officially appointed Tom Herman to serve as the new head coach of their football program, filling the vacancy left by the departure of Willie Taggart.

2022: Departure from Chicago Bears

During the 2022 season, Tom Herman was not retained by the incoming head coach, Matt Eberflus, effectively ending his tenure with the team.

November 18, 2024: Termination as FAU Head Coach

On November 18, 2024, Tom Herman was fired from his position as head coach of Florida Atlantic University (FAU). His departure followed a poor performance during his second season, where the team started with a 0–6 record in conference play and a 2–8 overall record, bringing his total tenure record at FAU to 6–16.