ADVERTISEMENT

Offensive changes may be coming

That maybe true but keep this in mind. The only thing that probsbly saved Herman from a 2-3 win season is the defense played at an elite level. I’m not sure they will be able to maintain that level with the guys they are losing. So if the offense can’t improve a disaster season next year isn’t out of the realm of possibility.

As far as failing to attract a big name coach. That could be true of the first search to replace Mack, but I think we’re fooling ourselves thinking Texas didn’t get the guy they wanted. At least the 2nd guy they wanted this time.

Well, by the same logic, if our frosh QB doesn't throw three brain dead pics at the end of 3 games we could have been 9-3..
 
Well, by the same logic, if our frosh QB doesn't throw three brain dead pics at the end of 3 games we could have been 9-3..
Sure, and as I stated the offense has to be better next year. Meaning those things can’t hapoen. Look at the schedule next year. The offense has to help us win games next year instead of trying not to lose them. You don’t have to squint real hard to see a 4-5 win season next year if the offense can’t improve.
 
Not very compareable situations

Florida had a pretty good coach. The AD wanted to bring in his own guy. One could argue they upgraded with Mullen

Tennessee they didn’t fire Lane Kiffin he left, and they gave Butch Jones 5 years.

Nabeaska had coaches in Solich and Pelini that pretty consistently won 8-9 a year they decided that wasn’t good enough. They progressively got worse

None of that really applies to Texas. I mean if we are sitting here in November 2018 and the offense still sucks and we struggled to be .500. You can’t tell me there wouldn’t be some discussion about Herman’s future.

Now if the offense improves and we can get to 7-8 wins and really show improvement it’s all moot. That’s all he needs is some tangible improvement.
NATIONAL CHAMPS

1994- Nebraska
1995- Nebraska (vs. Florida)
1996- Florida
1997- Nebraska (vs. Tennessee)
1998- Tennessee

Incredibly, all 3 programs finish 2017 with 4-win seasons.
 
NATIONAL CHAMPS

1994- Nebraska
1995- Nebraska (vs. Florida)
1996- Florida
1997- Nebraska (vs. Tennessee)
1998- Tennessee

Incredibly, all 3 programs finish 2017 with 4-win seasons.
Sure but they didn’t get to where they are now by continually firing coaches. At least Tennessee didn’t.

Lane Kiffin left them after one season they didn’t fire him
Derrick Dooley was 15-21 in 3 seasons never posted a winning season
Butch Jones was 4-8/in his 5th season

I’d say they’ve given their coaches a fair shake. Just didn’t pick the right ones.

Nebraska yeah they are probably a victim of their own expectations. They however fired coaches like solich and bo who won on a fairly consistent basis... Just not enough for their fans

Flordia the new AD didn’t like the football coach he didn’t hire. Not the first time won’t be the last. I think those situations are different than making a change because a guy isn’t actually getting the job done. If Herman is still a 6-6 coach in 2019 we should probably be reevaluating our coaching position.

Let’s also not forget that Nebraska had Osborne back then and Flordia had spuirrer 2 of the best ever.... Fulmer pretty good in his own right.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: BringBackRoyal
NATIONAL CHAMPS

1994- Nebraska
1995- Nebraska (vs. Florida)
1996- Florida
1997- Nebraska (vs. Tennessee)
1998- Tennessee

Incredibly, all 3 programs finish 2017 with 4-win seasons.

20 years is a long time. Times change.
 
Defense takes a step back for sure next year, don't know where the offense improves to make up ground. We need some JUCO OL and likely a QB transfer or just go the freshman QB route again and hope we signed some that can complete a pass or two. We will be playing a bunch of freshmen and sucking and clinging to the we are so young line. It's 2015 all over again. My liver sends it's regards.
Texas apparently offered a Juco OT out of Cal. He is committed to SJSU
https://247sports.com/college/texas...-Alto-offensive-tackle-Mikey-Grandy-111254479
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4MNChampsHorn
Exactly, it's cyclical....for most programs that is.

I've said this for quite a while. Alabama's time is coming to go through this. Their fans are the most unrealistic in CFB, but its coming to them when $aban retires. Their only potential saving grace is if Swinney takes that job. FSU, OSU, Michigan, Florida, Texas, 0U, PSU, ND, Miami, USC, etc. have had their turn. It all ebbs and flows. No program is immune.
 
  • Like
Reactions: outhereincali
Herman said in interviews this year that he "doesn't know how to" be head coach and also call plays
 
  • Like
Reactions: freeper
wellll, when your defense is as good as ours was, you're going to be able to play with anybody. and when your offense is as bad as ours was, you aren't boatracing anybody.
 
Burton from 24/7 says he is hearing more and more that Coach Beck will be let go or re-assigned at the end of the season.

Inside Texas has said Herman is feeling pressure from those close to the program that offensive changes are needed
Doesn't this sound like the same thing with Strong
 
It took tOSU half the season to wash Beck off of their jock straps! Herman may very well be screwed by his own loyalty and belief in Beck.

You will never develop a team if you are constantly changing the scheme.
 
I just don't get it how our last two coaches decide to go with OCs with so much failure in their history to rebuild this team.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BringBackRoyal
I don't think it would happen, but do you think Tom would call USF and talk to Sterlin? See if he would be interested in getting back with a bunch of the players that he had? They seem to run a similar system to what Herman wants to run. And USF's QB is probably a worse thrower than Sam.
 
I don't think it would happen, but do you think Tom would call USF and talk to Sterlin? See if he would be interested in getting back with a bunch of the players that he had? They seem to run a similar system to what Herman wants to run. And USF's QB is probably a worse thrower than Sam.

They aren't similar offenses. And of the lone USF game I watched this year vs UCF their QB was awesome.
 
They aren't similar offenses. And of the lone USF game I watched this year vs UCF their QB was awesome.
Similar in the fact that they like to spread you out, have a dynamic running game which includes a QB run game. USF doesn't use a TE much, if at all.
I have watched several of their games and especially against UCF, the QB should have had about 4-5 interceptions if the defender had a pulse. But he makes a ton of plays because he can extend plays and use his legs not just to escape but to make plays. I see more similarities than differences, but I do not even try to know the ins and outs of offensive philosophies.
 
I personally wishHerman had hung on to Gilbert. Considering a freshman QB who was apperently playing through injury the 2nd half of the year thought he did fine. Would of been nice to see if Shane had made progress in year 2 of a system. Wasn’t likely to happen with an offensive minded coach though I guess.
 
Since we are reliving the past, what happened to Traylor? Was his offense at Gilmer similar to the one Herman runs?
 
I hated losing Coach Traylor. IMO he's a helluva coach and recruiter. He is currently the RB coach at SMU.
Yeah I thought we actually had the makings of a good offensive staff. I was hoping we could keep that, and fix the deficiencies on the defensive side. If Herman was the best coach we could land I would of just assumed give the job to Gilbert, or Taylor and see if they could roll with it. It would of been a risk, but other schools have done it and paid off big. Not like they had that much less expierence than Herman
 
gilbert's offense was bad (though better than what we've seen so far) and remember taylor was the special teams coordinator and that was beyond awful they had to go.
 
  • Like
Reactions: oldhorn2
gilbert's offense was bad (though better than what we've seen so far) and remember taylor was the special teams coordinator and that was beyond awful they had to go.
Gilbert’s offsense put up 30+ points a game with a freshman QB who was hurt for sevreal games... and it was year 1 in the system. Calling his offense bad especially after watching this years team is a bit of an over statement.
 
* In talking with various sources on Thursday, there is still a sense that Tom Herman won't make major changes to his staff when the season is complete. I was told that while the door isn't completely shut on the possibility of a tweak to offensive coordinator/play-calling responsibilities, it's more likely that Herman will stand firmly behind the staff he built and the roles he created for them, with full respect given to the circumstances of this season that Herman believes would make any offensive coordinator struggle to perform at a high level.

* Another point that was made rather emphatically all day from various sources is that it is very unlikely that Tom Herman will make a move for former Texas tight ends coach Tim Brewster, who is currently on seemingly future A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher's staff at Florida State. The bottom line is that it's not a move that Herman apparently has any interest in making.

* While it's probably not fair to call it official, junior-turned-apparent-senior offensive lineman Jake McMillon appears to have zero interest in returning for another season of football after taking part in Senior Day activities last week.

* Speaking of departures, it's only a matter of time before Malik Jefferson announces his intention to depart for the NFL.

* Orangebloods released an updated UT Scholarship Board on Thursday, which took into account the departure of DeShon Elliott, but not names of players not yet officially announced as departures. The biggest thing to take from the data is the number that previous attrition has already taken on the program.

Before any off-season attrition, the Longhorns have 39 combined juniors, sophomores and redshirt freshmen (15 juniors, 18 sophomores and 6 redshirt freshmen). When you consider that the program has averaged more than 10 attrition departures per year for the last decade, you can make the case that the caution meter is in the red area for the program right now with regards to the foundation of talent for the future, as it's spread out over a four- to five-year layout.

With even normal attrition numbers in the next three years, it's possible that the Longhorns will have very small senior classes and upper-class numbers in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, similar to what we've seen in the last few seasons (see 2016 as an example). It could mean that beyond next season when the Longhorns will have its first large senior class in a while, the program will once again be very young in Herman's third and fourth seasons in Austin.

It's just something everyone will need to watch and be aware of heading into the next few years. (Ketchum)

*****
The topic of attrition has been a hot topic the past few weeks, and it continues to gain momentum as bowl preparation and the offseason looms.

As we previously reported, there are players in the program who are not happy and considering transferring. Herman sat down with several players recently to discuss their unhappiness and what was happening within the team. As expected, some of the talk died down after Texas defeated West Virginia, but the discontent resurfaced after a season-ending loss against Texas Tech. That loss was enough to quickly solidify the decisions of multiple players.

However, a little perspective about the potential offseason “doomsday” might help.

Are there players who have issues with Texas football coach Tom Herman and his staff? Yes. Are there guys who want out the program? Yes. Is this problem unique to Herman? Not really.

Herman parted ways with 10 players before the season-opener at Texas. Those players were QB Matthew Merrick (quit football), DT Marcell Southall (transfer), TE Peyton Aucoin (transfer), OL Buck Major (medical retirement), RB Roderick Bernard (medical retirement), OL Jean Delance (transfer), DT Jordan Elliott (transfer), LB Erick Fowler (transfer), OL Brandon Hodges (transfer) and DL Chris Daniels (transferred during the season).
Conversely, former Texas football coach Charlie Strong parted ways with 12 players before the season finale in 2014. Those players were WR Kendall Sanders (dismissed), RB Jalen Overstreet (dismissed), DB Chevoski Collins (dismissed), RB Joe Bergeron (dismissed), S Leroy Scott (dismissed), FB Chet Moss (dismissed), LB Kendall Thompson (quit due to concussions), WR Montrel Meander (dismissed), S Josh Turner (dismissed), LB Deoundri Davis (dismissed), OL Rami Hammad (transferred) and T Kennedy Estelle (dismissed).

Prior to the start of Strong’s 2015 campaign, seven players parted ways with Texas before the season opener – OL Darius James (transfer), T Desmond Harrison (transfer), T Camrhon Hughes (transfer), TE M.J. McFarland (transfer), G Curtis Riser (transfer), RB Duke Catalon (transfer) and LB Cecil Cherry (transfer).

Right now, it appears Herman’s upcoming offseason attrition could top Strong’s number in 2015.

Herman was hard on his players from day one and not interested in befriending his squad. He inherited a group of guys who loved Strong, but did not always play hard for him. Instead of trying to become their friends, Herman maintained a player-coach relationship with much of his team, while assistants told their guys if they do not like it, feel free to leave.

Obviously, Texas’ 6-6 record is the main cause of unhappiness. The losing, questionable offensive play-calling and personnel decisions, and hearing Herman blame them for losing, turned off several players this season. By the time Texas Tech rolled around, the rumors about Longhorn players looking to get out was at an all-time high. It remains to be seen if cooler heads will prevail and every player will start to accept this staff.

Here is how Texas’ attrition looks right now.

NFL PROSPECTS

LT Connor Williams – He was gone right after the season finale against Texas Tech. Herman convinced Williams to play in the final two regular season games. However, after losing against Texas Tech, there was no turning back for Williams, a team captain. Williams will not play in the bowl game.

S DeShon Elliott – Multiple sources told us Elliott was not planning to come back for his senior season, and he announced that decision on Thursday. When Elliott met with Herman on Monday, he immediately informed the coach he was gone, and there was no room for debate. Elliott was not happy at Texas and wanted out. He does not plan to participate in the bowl game.

LB Malik Jefferson – He tweeted a decision has not been made earlier this week, but the linebacker will go pro. I heard Jefferson is battling a foot injury, which could prevent him from playing in the bowl game. Jefferson will likely officially announce his intentions after hearing back from the College Advisory Committee.
CB Holton Hill – Since the moment Hill was suspended, he informed multiple people about his decision to go pro. His tune has not changed since the season ended, and it appears very unlikely Hill will be back next season. It will take a very bad report from the College Advisory Committee for Hill to return.

DE Charles Omenihu – It appears he is 50-50 right now. The people I have spoken to who are associated with Omenihu said they are waiting for the College Advisory Committee report before making a final decision. However, I get the feeling if Omenihu receives at least a mid-round grade, he is gone.

DT Chris Nelson – He joins the list of juniors who are looking for input from the College Advisory Committee before deciding his future at Texas. Nelson submitted the paperwork on Monday. Like other junior prospects, Nelson is hoping to receive a good report to leave Austin and pursue an NFL career.

P Michael Dickson – I spoke to multiple sources associated with the program on Thursday who said the punter is seriously considering skipping his senior season and going pro. From Dickson’s perspective, there is not much more to be gained by another year in college. There is no timetable set for Dickson’s decision.
On the way out

RB Chris Warren III – He was unhappy about the lack of touches throughout this season. Herman thought Warren was content with being switched to H-back/tight end. However, Warren decided he would transfer after the move was made. He is currently looking for a new home.

OL Terrell Cuney – It appears he is hanging it up after this season. Cuney received significant playing time this season after riding the bench for most of his tenure at Texas. He is seemingly ready to move on and leave the Longhorns.

OL Jake McMillon – Geoff Ketchum’s sources told him McMillon is “burned out” and “done” with football after this season. Unless McMillon gets talked into playing football at another school as a grad transfer, he is probably done at Texas after the bowl game.

TE Garrett Gray – He played against Maryland and San Jose State before sustaining a season-ending knee injury. Gray also walked on Senior Day.

OL Alex Anderson – Not expected to return for his senior season.
There are multiple other guys who are considering leaving Texas. Some of those players expressed their desire to leave to teammates, family members and/or friends during the season. That group includes guys who received significant playing time and reserves.
Out of fairness to those players, we will not mention their names and speculate about their futures at Texas. Some players might cool off and decide to stay. Other might be venting out of frustration. Instead, we will get into specifics when they make a decision and not paint them into a corner right now. However, it will be interesting to see how many players part ways with Texas between now and the beginning of next season. Herman is not the kind of guy who will beg players to stay. He is more prone to let a disgruntled player walk out the door than convince them to stay. When guys approach him about leaving in the upcoming weeks and months, do not expect Herman to put up a huge fight.
Instead, Herman will focus on bringing in his players and finding athletes who are not bothered by his coaching style.

Strong had to deal with attrition after he is hired.

Herman is dealing with the same issue. (Richardson)

*****
Texas football players will hit the field on Friday as bowl preparation begins. Herman’s staff has been on the road recruiting this week, but will get back into a normal routine this week.
Texas has been without Williams for most of this season, and you can expect Tristan Nickelson or Denzel Okafor to compete at left tackle over the next few weeks.

In addition, Davante Davis will continue to fill in for Hill, while Jason Hall should be in the mix for playing time at safety in Elliott’s absence. With P.J. Locke expected to be ready for the bowl game, he could get a look at safety, while Antwuan Davis has been solid at nickelback.

Texas defensive coordinator Todd Orlando may not have Elliott, but has options. (Richardson)

****
Well, if you are ready for some good news, Texas will learn what bowl it will play in on Sunday. No, I cannot tell you which players will make the trip.

If you are looking for a safe bet, it appears Texas has a good chance of appearing in the Texas Bowl (Houston) on December 27. The Camping World Bowl picks its teams one slot ahead of the Texas Bowl, and officials from Orlando were higher on Texas before its loss against Texas Tech. I was told Texas is still in the mix, but the Camping World official I spoke to this week said they would finalize their list after the Big 12 championship game on Saturday.
Texas is currently in the mix with Iowa State, Kansas State and West Virginia to play in Houston. The Texas Bowl only gets to choose the Big 12 squad, while the SEC handpicks its team. From what I was told, the Texas Bowl will choose its opponent early on Sunday afternoon, while the SEC will announce its pick a few hours later. Since the Texas Bowl cannot make a game based on matchups, committee members must make the most out of their choice.
From what I was told, Texas remains an appealing option because of its fan base in Houston, proximity to Austin, and supportive alumni throughout the state. Basically, Texas can fill up the stadium better than most schools.

If Texas is selected, the SEC opponents are potentially LSU, Mississippi State, with a very slim chance at Texas A&M. I was told Kentucky, Missouri or South Carolina from the SEC East as possibilities, but the SEC usually gives the Texas Bowl squads from the SEC West.

However, our Rivals friends covering the Missouri program have told Orangebloods that the Missouri program believes it is a near-lock to appear in Houston as the SEC rep for the game. (Richardson)
 
I liked the Herman hire based primarily by what he did at Houston. Hopefully he turns it around because right now,Texas is kind of like Nebraska after Solich got shown the door. They’ve been wandering around in the desert ever since. Also I noticed in Scholz post that a couple players were going to skip the bowl since they’re going pro. Is that something new because I don’t necessarily recall that happening a lot in the past. That’s going to suck if the star players start going that route, that will really change the outcomes of some bowl games.
 
Last edited:
Yeah it feels new. But I'm fine with it for us this year in our meaningless game. We need the extra 15 practices for the guys who are going to be around next year.
 
It's somewhat new. Fournette and McCaffery did it last year, that was the first I've heard of it. They were both top 10 picks though. Us having 3 players do it this year makes me think they aren't having much fun out there.
 
I get that stuff emailed to me from a buddy. Figure it's public knowledge by then.
 
Omenihu and Nelson are late round picks at best and more likely undrafted. If they are gone then I think the writing is on the wall with their opinion of Herman.
 
Mean ol Herman must be hurting their feelings at practice. People are just going to have to have patience with Herman's culture. It's clearly not for everyone, but once he gets his type of kids in the program that know hat they are getting into I think things will get much better.
 
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT