Four years ago, Texas handed the keys to the program to Tom Herman in hopes he could help get the Longhorns back to the top of the Big 12 and in the conversation as one of the best teams in the country. Outside of a Sugar Bowl victory in 2018, it was a tenure full of ups and downs for Herman, and Athletic Director Chris Del Conte ultimately decided it was time for the change.
Herman compiled a 32-18 record during his 4 seasons at the helm, including a 22-13 record in Big 12 play. During his first season in 2017, the Longhorns went 7-6, capping off the season with a victory over Missouri in the Texas bowl. The 2018 campaign that featured the Sugar Bowl win was the most successful season for Herman despite losing to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game. The 10-4 record in 2018 was the Longhorns first 10-win season since 2009 and set the table for what was supposed to be a team that would be in the conversation for the College Football Playoff in 2019. Instead, the Longhorns suffered an early season loss to LSU before falling to Oklahoma, TCU, Iowa State and Baylor on the way to a 7-5 regular season finish. A victory over Utah in the Alamo Bowl gave the Longhorns momentum heading into 2020, but the Longhorns failed to capitalize. Texas lost their third game of the season against TCU and followed it up with a loss in 4 overtimes to Oklahoma. Needing to win out to make the Big 12 championship, the Longhorns ultimately dropped a Black Friday game against Iowa State to eliminate any hopes of Big 12 title.
The Tom Herman era will likely be remembered for his inability to beat Oklahoma and TCU along with the failure to capitalize on 4 years of Sam Ehlinger at QB. Herman finished his Texas career with a 1-4 record against the Sooners and a 1-3 record against the Horned Frogs. He was also only 2-2 against Kansas State and lost the season opener in his first two seasons to Maryland.
Texas is now in the market for a new coach for the 3rd time in 7 years. Follow along at HornSports.com for updates or on twitter at @HornSports.
