Childhood and Education Journey of Tom Herman in Timeline

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

An overview of the childhood and early education of Tom Herman, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

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

June 2, 1975: Birth of Thomas Herman III

On June 2, 1975, Thomas Herman III, known as Tom Herman, was born; he would go on to become a notable American college football coach.

Others born on this day/year

1997: Graduation from California Lutheran University

In 1997, Tom Herman graduated cum laude from California Lutheran University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was recognized as a Presidential Scholarship recipient.

2002: Ohio State National Title Year

In 2002, the Ohio State Buckeyes football team secured a national title, which remained their last championship prior to the 2014 season success under Tom Herman.

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.

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: 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.

2020: 2020 Season and Alma Mater Controversy

Throughout 2020, Tom Herman faced a 7–3 season and significant backlash from the fanbase regarding his management of off-field issues, specifically involving player protests against the school's alma mater, "The Eyes of Texas," due to its historical connections to minstrel shows.

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.

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.