Florida Atlantic University has decided to relieve head coach Tom Herman of his duties as of Monday, leaving two games remaining in his second season with the football program. Unfortunately, since his arrival, the team’s performance has not met expectations, with last season ending at 4-8 and the current season reduced to a disappointing 2-8 record. As the search for a new head coach commences, the Owls will be led in their last two games by special teams coordinator Chad Lunsford.

Athletic director Brian White expressed gratitude for Herman’s contributions to the university and its student-athletes. He mentioned having shared the decision with Herman earlier in the day before subsequently briefing the coaching staff and players. White reaffirmed the institution’s ambitions of winning championships and competing for bowl games, highlighting that these goals continue to be the standard for the football program.

This marks the fourth straight season where the Owls have failed to achieve a winning record. The team previously enjoyed success under Lane Kiffin, who led them to 27 victories over three seasons between 2017 and 2019. However, the program struggled under the leadership of Willie Taggart and Herman, resulting in a combined 21-34 record since Kiffin’s departure for Mississippi.

Since transitioning to the American Athletic Conference, Florida Atlantic has struggled in conference play, having won only three out of 14 games. This season, they currently stand at 0-6 in the conference following a recent loss to Temple, a game that led to the firing of Temple’s head coach Stan Drayton just one day prior.

Herman’s dismissal is part of ongoing changes within the coaching staff, with Herman having previously terminated both defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni and associate head coach Ed Warinner in the past week. Both individuals were on contracts that were set to conclude with the season’s end.

Looking back, Herman was seen as a significant acquisition for FAU from the outset, given his impressive coaching history. He previously achieved a 22-4 record during his first two seasons as head coach at the University of Houston and held a 32-18 record during his tenure at Texas. He also boasts a remarkable 5-0 record in bowl games at these institutions and was part of Ohio State’s coaching staff when they won the national championship. Additionally, he received the Broyles Award, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top assistant coaches.

During his initial stretch, the Owls posted a 4-4 record, ultimately culminating in a troubling 2-12 record across his final 14 games in charge. The Owls’ upcoming schedule includes a matchup against Charlotte on Saturday, followed by the season finale at Tulsa on November 30.