The head football coach at the University of Texas always seems to be in the spotlight. Whether that be for a coaching leading the charge in a certain era, much like Mack Brown’s run. Or it could be the complete other end of the spectrum like a Charlie Strong era. For Tom Herman, it has been a mixed review. Going into his third year, it seemed like the arrow was on an upward trajectory but following a 8-5 season, it moved down in a a hurry.
Dennis Dodd of CBS Sports released his hot seat rankings for the college football head coaches heading into the 2020. The rankings breakdown from 0-5. A zero ranking means that coach is untouchable and a five being a “win or be fired”. Herman comes in at a four for Dodd, which means he has to improve this upcoming season.
If speculation were tires, tread would be worn bald asking if Texas is “back.” The answer, once again, is no. After beating Oklahoma and winning the Sugar Bowl in 2018, the Longhorns slid to 8-5 in 2019 behind Baylor and OU in the Big 12. With the Sooners showing no signs of slowing down, this is a key season for Herman. He has a quarterback who has made Heisman Trophy lists in Sam Ehlinger. Recruiting continues to thrive. That’s the issue: When is all that talent going to carry the Horns to national title contention? 2019 rating: 1
I think it is a foregone conclusion that the 2020 season is a make or break year for Herman. While he is in need of a big season, much like Dodd’s thinking one shouldn’t believe that this is a win or get fired year for him. The pressure is on to close the gap between Texas and Oklahoma in 2020. Following the season, Herman will be heading into his fifth season and it will on be on him.
None of the players will be from the Charlie Strong classes. His talent and his handpicked coaches. So if you want to know when the “win or get fired” season will occur, that comes in 2021 if they don’t make a push in 2020. According to the full breakdown on CBS Sports, no coach is feeling the same level of pressure as Tom Herman.
Big 12 Hot Seat Rankings
| Coach | Rating |
| Dave Aranda, Baylor | 1 |
| Matt Campbell, Iowa State | 1 |
| Les Miles, Kansas | 2 |
| Chris Klieman, Kansas State | 1 |
| Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma | 0 |
| Mike Gundy, Oklahoma State | 3 |
| Gary Patterson, TCU | 0 |
| Matt Wells, Texas Tech | 2 |
| Neil Brown, West Virginia | 2 |