In a stunning turn of events, Florida Atlantic University has fired head football coach Tom Herman after just two seasons at the helm. According to sources close to the program, the decision came down on Monday amidst a disappointing 0-6 start to conference play in the Owls’ first year in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Herman, who previously found success as the head coach at the University of Houston and the University of Texas, was brought in to lead FAU’s transition from Conference USA to the more competitive AAC. However, the results on the field have been far from what the administration and fans had hoped for.
A Rough Start in the AAC
FAU’s move to the AAC was always going to be a challenge, but few expected the Owls to struggle as much as they have under Herman’s leadership. The team currently sits at 0-6 in conference play and has lost five straight games overall.
According to insiders, the administration felt that the team’s performance was not reflective of Herman’s proven track record and the talent on the roster. The decision to make a change now, rather than waiting until the end of the season, suggests that FAU is looking to get a head start on finding their next head coach.
Herman’s Brief Tenure at FAU
Herman’s hiring in 2023 was seen as a major coup for FAU, given his previous success at Houston and Texas. However, his tenure with the Owls never quite lived up to expectations.
In his first season, FAU went 6-10 overall and struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball. Many attributed the team’s issues to the challenges of transitioning to a new conference and implementing Herman’s system.
Heading into the 2024 season, there was optimism that the Owls would take a step forward in their second year under Herman. However, the team has regressed, particularly in conference play, leading to the administration’s decision to make a change.
What’s Next for FAU?
With Herman out, FAU will turn to interim head coach Chad Lunsford to lead the team for the remainder of the season. Lunsford, who previously served as the head coach at Georgia Southern, will be tasked with trying to salvage something positive from a disappointing campaign.
Looking ahead, FAU will undoubtedly be searching for a coach who can navigate the challenges of competing in the AAC and build a program that can consistently contend for conference titles. Given the resources and location of the school, the job should attract plenty of qualified candidates.
The Fallout for Tom Herman
For Herman, being fired from FAU represents a significant setback in his coaching career. After successful stints at Houston and Texas, many expected him to be able to elevate the Owls’ program to new heights.
Herman’s next move will be closely watched. Given his offensive background and previous success, he could be an attractive candidate for programs looking for a new head coach or offensive coordinator.
– Anonymous coaching insider
Regardless of where he lands next, Herman will undoubtedly be looking to prove that his tenure at FAU was an anomaly and that he still has what it takes to lead a successful college football program.
A Challenging Transition for C-USA Teams
FAU’s struggles in the AAC are not unique among the teams that made the jump from Conference USA. In fact, five of the seven schools at the bottom of the AAC standings this year are former C-USA members.
This suggests that the transition to a more competitive conference is proving to be a significant challenge for these programs. Schools like FAU will need to find the right coach and invest in their facilities and recruiting if they hope to consistently compete at the top of the AAC.
The Bottom Line
Tom Herman’s firing from Florida Atlantic University may come as a surprise given his previous success, but it’s clear that the administration felt a change was necessary given the team’s struggles on the field. As FAU begins its search for a new head coach, the focus will be on finding someone who can navigate the challenges of competing in the AAC and build a program that can consistently contend for conference titles.
For Herman, this setback is sure to be disappointing, but given his track record, it’s likely only a matter of time before he lands on his feet at another program. As for FAU, the future is uncertain, but with the right hire and a commitment to investing in the program, there’s no reason the Owls can’t eventually become a force to be reckoned with in the AAC.
