Florida Atlantic University (FAU) announced Monday that head football coach Tom Herman has been relieved of his duties just two years into his tenure. Herman’s dismissal comes amid a challenging season that has seen the Owls stumble to a 6-16 record overall during his time in charge, including an 0-6 mark in American Athletic Conference (AAC) play this year. The team is currently on a five-game losing streak.
Herman, 49, took the reins at FAU in 2022 as the program transitioned from Conference USA to the AAC following the firing of Willie Taggart, who spent three seasons with the Owls. The expectations were high given Herman’s track record, which included success at Houston (22-4 record, a Peach Bowl win) and Texas (32-18 with four bowl wins). However, the transition to a more competitive AAC proved challenging for Herman and his squad.
FAU’s struggles this season reflect a broader trend among teams making the leap from Conference USA to the AAC. Of the six transitioning programs, five sit at the bottom of the AAC standings. The jump in competition has exposed weaknesses across multiple programs, but Herman’s firing is particularly surprising as it comes less than two years into a five-year contract.
FAU’s struggles have persisted despite the program’s relatively recent success. Under Lane Kiffin, the Owls won Conference USA titles in 2017 and 2019. Since Kiffin’s departure, however, FAU has managed just one winning season and endured four consecutive losing campaigns.
Chad Lunsford, the former head coach at Georgia Southern, will serve as FAU’s interim coach for the remainder of the season. Lunsford led Georgia Southern from 2017 to 2021, including guiding the Eagles to a 10-win season and a Camellia Bowl victory in 2018.
Herman’s firing marks the fourth coaching change in the AAC this year, with East Carolina, Temple, and Rice also parting ways with their head coaches. The instability highlights the fierce competition in the AAC and the pressure on programs to quickly adapt and deliver results.
What’s Next for FAU?
FAU’s leadership will now embark on a search for its next head coach. The Owls are a program with potential, boasting a strong recruiting base in South Florida and a history of success under the right leadership. However, they must find someone who can navigate the challenges of competing in the AAC and build a consistent winner.
As for Herman, his coaching career has been marked by dramatic highs and recent lows. While his time at FAU ended in disappointment, his prior success suggests he could still find another opportunity in the coaching ranks.
FAU fans will hope this latest shake-up can finally reverse the program’s fortunes as the Owls look to recapture the momentum of their championship years.
