FAU football head coach Tom Herman has been fired from Florida Atlantic, sources confirm to The League Winners’ Thomas Christopher.
The clock has been ticking for FAU head coach Tom Herman for a few weeks this season. After starting the season 2-3 after five weeks, the Owls have subsequently lost their last five contests and post a 2-8 record on the season.
Prior to last week’s game, Herman decided to part ways with defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni (who was brough back on Monday) and offensive line coach Ed Warinner. Now, Herman gets the axe from FAU after losing an 18-15 contest in overtime against the Temple Owls. Now, those at FAU will try to figure out how to navigate the program going forward.
Reportedly, Herman was looking for Power 4 offensive coordinator positions prior to his release from FAU. The school will still owe Herman $4.1 million in buyout money. Herman will leave FAU with a 6-16 win-loss record.
Tom Herman has been working to find a Power 4 offensive coordinator job in recent weeks.
With a buyout of $4.1 million, FAU pulls the plug. https://t.co/RDy3b6Pj6h
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) November 18, 2024
Replace Herman is Chad Lunsford. Lunsford has been the Owls’ special teams coordinator, tight ends coach and assistant head coach. He was also previously a head coach at Georgia Southern. An official comment from Florida Atlantic will be released on Monday.
No improvement for FAU under Tom Herman
When the Owls hired Herman prior to last season, they were expecting an uplifting to the program under Herman. Herman, who spent time with Texas and in the NFL before arriving to Florida Atlantic, seemingly had the experience to lead the team to their first bowl game appearance since Lane Kiffin was coaching the Owls. And after a 4-8 season last year, things seemed like they could be set on improving.
Herman and his staff spent countless time recruiting incoming prospects and transfers for this upcoming season. They’ve had a litany of talented players come in, too – with defensive standouts Kahzir Brown and Cameron Goggins being critical parts on the team in their first season.
Instead of improving from their 2023 record, the Owls have flatlined, losing five straight with a 2-8 record with two games left to play. Between questionable personnel usage, play calls, and scapegoats, the Herman experience for FAU has been hard to swallow for those familiar with the administration.
Florida Atlantic’s athletic director Brian White gave a statement on Monday.
“I extend my appreciation to Tom Herman for his dedication to our university and our student-athletes,” said White. “I informed Tom of my decision this morning and then met with the staff and team. We firmly believe in our ability to win championships and compete for bowl games, and that remains our standard. A national search begins immediately. With the integrity of the search in mind, I will have no further public comment until the announcement of the Owls’ next head football coach.”
