Imagine this: A former head coach, with a 60-36 record and a career spanning multiple Power Five programs, is now relegated to a role that sounds more like a strategic advisor than a traditional assistant. That’s the curious situation Tom Herman finds himself in at Florida State, where Mike Norvell has positioned him as the 'Assistant to the Head Coach.' It’s not just a title—it’s a statement. And it raises a deeper question: What does this role say about the evolving hierarchy of college football coaching staffs?
Personally, I think this move by Norvell is a masterstroke of psychological warfare. By giving Herman a title that feels both elevated and nebulous, Norvell is creating a narrative of 'unique perspective' while avoiding the pitfalls of direct confrontation. Herman, after all, is a name that still carries weight in college football circles. His tenure at Texas, where he led the Longhorns to a 29-16 record, and his brief but impactful stint at FAU, where he helped turn around a struggling program, make him a figure of both admiration and controversy. Now, he’s being asked to play the role of a 'strategic advisor'—a title that feels like a compromise for both parties involved.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the way Norvell is framing Herman’s role. 'He can come in and really provide a unique perspective,' Norvell said, emphasizing Herman’s 'different experiences.' But here’s the thing: Unique perspectives are only valuable if they’re wielded with nuance. Herman’s background is steeped in high-stakes environments—he’s been through the chaos of rebuilding programs, the pressure of national title contention, and the scrutiny of a fanbase that demands results. Yet, in this new role, he’s being asked to offer insights without the authority of a head coach. It’s like asking a general to advise on tactics without the power to command troops. Does that dilute his influence, or does it make him more indispensable? I’m leaning toward the latter. When you strip away the title, you’re left with the purest form of expertise. And in a sport where game-planning is as much about psychology as it is about Xs and Os, that might be exactly what Norvell needs.
Let’s also consider the implications of Herman’s role for the rest of the staff. He’s being positioned to 'work directly with Norvell while emphasizing strategy on situational downs.' That’s a vague enough description to allow Herman to shape the playbook in subtle ways, yet specific enough to avoid accusations of overstepping. But here’s a thought: What happens when a former head coach’s fingerprints are all over a team’s success? Does it create tension with the current head coach? Does it elevate Herman’s profile in ways that could complicate future opportunities? These are the unspoken dynamics at play here. Norvell is smart enough to know that Herman’s presence isn’t just about strategy—it’s about legacy. And legacy, in college football, is a double-edged sword.
Another angle to consider is the broader trend of 'assistant head coaches' in modern football. Teams are increasingly relying on former head coaches to fill roles that blend mentorship with tactical input. But this isn’t just about leveraging experience—it’s about managing egos. Herman’s hiring isn’t just about his résumé; it’s about his ability to coexist with Norvell without overshadowing him. That’s a delicate balance, and one that requires more than just a well-worded press release. It demands a shared vision, mutual respect, and a willingness to let the head coach remain the public face of the program. If Norvell can pull that off, he’ll have created a model for how to integrate former head coaches into staffs without inviting conflict. If not, this could become a cautionary tale about the dangers of trying to have it both ways.
What many people don’t realize is that this role for Herman is also a strategic move for his own career. By taking a step back from the head coaching grind, he’s positioning himself as a valuable asset to any program that needs a 'strategic mind' rather than a 'head coach.' In an era where college football coaches are constantly juggling the demands of recruitment, media, and administrative politics, the ability to focus solely on game-planning could be a hidden advantage. It’s a gamble, of course—Herman’s name still carries the weight of past controversies, and his success in this role will depend on how well he can navigate the shadows of his former positions. But if he can make this work, he might just redefine what it means to be a 'strategic advisor' in the modern game.
In the end, this isn’t just about Tom Herman or Mike Norvell. It’s about the shifting power dynamics in college football coaching. As programs become more complex and the demands on head coaches grow, the role of 'assistant to the head coach' may become a more common fixture. Whether this is a temporary fix or a new standard remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: When you bring in someone with Herman’s pedigree, you’re not just hiring a strategist—you’re inviting a conversation about legacy, leadership, and the ever-evolving nature of the game itself.
