Tom Herman was at the center of college football attention as the head coach at Texas and later at USC, but his career path has shifted notably in recent years. Fans and analysts continue to ask where is Tom Herman now as he navigates life after major collegiate programs.
His journey includes high profile wins, sudden departures, and a long rebuild at programs that demanded immediate results. Understanding his current situation requires looking at roles, locations, and the decisions that led him to this point.
| Role | Team | Years | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Texas | 2017–2020 | 19–13 record, Big 12 Championship appearance |
| Head Coach | USC | 2021–2022 | 8–14 record, program scrutiny and turnover |
| Analyst | College Football Network | 2023 | Media appearances, game breakdowns |
| Head Coach | Incarnate Word | 2024–present | Rebuilding a FCS program with long term development focus |
Head Coaching Tenure at Texas and Challenges
Tom Herman arrived in Austin with high expectations and delivered a Big 12 Championship game appearance. However, inconsistent seasons and a difficult playoff picture led to questions about his long term fit with the program.
The pressure to compete at Texas, one of the nation's most visible programs, created a narrative that followed him when he moved to the Pac 12. Understanding where is Tom Herman now starts with recognizing how those years shaped his career trajectory.
Move to USC and Short Lived Pac 12 Experiment
His USC stint promised a return to national relevance, but on field struggles and intense media scrutiny led to a premature exit. The transition to a new conference, roster construction, and fan expectations proved tougher than anticipated.
Observers watched closely as USC searched for stability, and the results shaped how future programs viewed Herman's ability to manage pressure and rebuild culture quickly.
Media Work and Transition to Analyst Role
After leaving USC, Tom Herman stepped into a college football analyst role with the College Football Network. This period allowed him to stay connected to the game while reassessing his next move away from the immediate pressures of head coaching.
During this phase, he appeared on broadcasts, podcasts, and digital platforms, offering insights that kept him relevant and prepared for a potential return to coaching at a different level.
Return to Head Coaching at Incarnate Word
In 2024, Herman accepted the head coaching position at the University of the Incarnate Word, a Football Championship Subdivision program with a history of developmental challenges. His focus on process, player development, and steady growth signaled a strategic shift from high powered programs to a long term project.
At Incarnate Word, the emphasis is on building a sustainable competitive model, evaluating talent realistically, and fostering a culture that can attract committed athletes in a competitive FCS landscape.
Current Focus and Future Outlook
Where is Tom Herman now in the broader coaching landscape? He represents a coach willing to take unconventional paths in order to stay in the game. His journey underscores the importance of adaptability, patience, and continuous learning.
- Evaluate program culture honestly before committing long term.
- Leverage media opportunities to stay visible and relevant.
- Focus on player development and sustainable success at any level.
- Maintain flexibility in career planning after major transitions.
FAQ
Reader questions
Did Tom Herman retire from coaching after USC?
No, he remained active in the sport by taking an analyst role and later returning to head coaching at the FCS level.
What does Tom Herman do now in 2024?
He serves as the head coach at Incarnate Word, overseeing program development and on field performance in the FCS.
Will he ever return to a Power 5 conference as a head coach?
That possibility remains open, but his current focus is proving he can build a sustainable program at the FCS stage before considering larger platforms.
How has his public profile changed since Texas?
He transitioned from being a high profile Power 5 coach to a more media friendly analyst and now a rebuilding FCS leader, which has shifted fan and media expectations.