Tom Herman, the former head coach of Texas and FAU, is joining the Florida State coaching staff, according to a report from On3's Pete Nakos. This move comes as Florida State undergoes significant staff changes, with offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn stepping away and assistant coach Tim Harris taking over. Herman's addition to the staff is seen as a valuable asset, given his extensive experience in the college game and previous roles as an offensive coordinator at various institutions.
Herman's coaching career began at Houston, where he won 13 games in his first year as a head coach, playing in the American. He then moved to Texas, where he had a successful two-year run with a 22-4 record, reaching the Big 12 Championship Game and winning the Sugar Bowl. However, his tenure at Texas came to an end after the 2020 season due to off-field issues, with a 32-18 overall record and a 22-13 mark in Big 12 play.
In his most recent role, Herman served as the head coach at FAU from 2023-2024, but his time with the Owls was not successful, as he compiled a 6-16 record, including a 3-9 mark in the American. Despite these setbacks, Herman's wealth of knowledge and experience in the college game make him a valuable addition to the Florida State staff.
The Seminoles have had a challenging recent history, with a 7-17 record over the last two years, following a 13-1 overall finish in the 2023 campaign. Head coach Mike Norvell remains on the hot seat, but a hefty buyout provides some protection. The addition of Herman is seen as a strategic move to address the team's struggles and potentially improve their performance in the upcoming season.
In summary, Tom Herman's return to the college game and his joining of the Florida State coaching staff is a significant development. His extensive experience and successful track record make him a valuable asset, and his role on the staff is expected to contribute to the team's improvement and success in the future.