ESPN came out with the biggest question for each of their projected top 25 teams in 2020. According to the story, the Texas Longhorns are projected as the number 24 team going into next season. Writer Sam Khan Jr asks the following question.
Will Tom Herman’s massive staff turnover work out? The talent isn’t really much of an issue at Texas; the Longhorns have recruited well since Herman’s arrival. But an 8-5 season was underwhelming, and as a result, Herman fired both coordinators and brought in Mike Yurcich to run the offense and Chris Ash to run the defense, as well as a host of new position coaches. How quickly the staff jells and how well the players take to the new staff will be key as the Longhorns embark on a pivotal 2020 campaign. — Khan
Outside of the 10-4 season in 2018, the entire tenure under head coach Tom Herman has been quite underwhelming. Wiping out most of the staff following the 7-5 regular was necessary for the future of Herman in Texas. Even though he was the first Texas Longhorns head coach to win his first three bowl games, Herman is under immense pressure to win. Getting to a bowl may work for other universities but in Texas the aim is much higher.
The jelling period for this staff needs to come quickly as the Longhorns will play the defending National Champions in Baton Rouge for their second game of the season. That game will prove to be gut check time. If the Longhorns want to prove to the world that they are ready to compete with the top teams in college football, a strong showing in a hostile environment will be critical.
With the new staff in play there will be no excuses for Tom Herman and company this year. It is either win the Big 12 conference or the Athletic Director might be going big game hunting this next offseason.