Tom Herman was a high-profile hire for Houston.
But after amazing success as a coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State, many wondered how Herman would make the adjustment to being a head coach. Apparently Herman’s approach is to take advantage of his new-found celebrity status, and do whatever he can to promote his new school.
As soon as National Signing Day was done, Herman went from recruiting players to recruiting fans. Houston has a rallying cry of “paint it red.” You see it on social media and promotional materials. Herman is taking it a step farther, using “Paint Texas Red” on Twitter. And he’s not kidding.
Let’s start in Houston. Oh, look, it’s just Tom Herman hanging out with Hakeem Olajuwon before taking in a Houston Rockets game with offensive coordinator Major Applewhite.
The GOAT. Cougar Pride. #GoCoogs pic.twitter.com/Qa0kM552pw
— Tom Herman (@CoachTomHerman) February 26, 2015
Just another Tuesday night in Houston. Courtside at the Rockets game with @coachapplewhite and @yjmcknight #1-0 pic.twitter.com/klqK3ZPQlI
— Tom Herman (@CoachTomHerman) February 26, 2015
//platform.twitter.com/widgets.jsA few days later Herman took part in another Houston tradition, serving food for the Cougar Cookers; an organization that supports the University and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This is a big deal in the UH community. Herman spent three days there and made sure he reached out to fans on social media, trying to show he knows the roots of the program.
What a week hanging out with Cougar legends. First it was The Dream. Then it was @casekeenum7 last night. #Starstruck pic.twitter.com/UjrBvPapKO
— Tom Herman (@CoachTomHerman) February 27, 2015
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It’s not just Houston where Herman is trying to make his mark. The coach took his show on the road to Austin, the state capitol and home of the Longhorns. It was UH day at the Capitol, and Herman took full advantage; he was on the Senate floor, the House floor, and went to every office of every elected official who graduated from Houston.
So cool to see so many Cougars passionate about UH. #JustTheBeginning #PaintAustinRed pic.twitter.com/uwgSUS2NpG
— Tom Herman (@CoachTomHerman) February 23, 2015
So Herman is hobnobbing around the state doing his best to develop relationships and develop the Cougar brand. But he hasn’t forgotten where his bread is buttered – on campus. Herman is busy on social media promoting other Cougars sports teams. He has told several groups there will be a “students first” attitude; hoping to make students feel like he is working for them.
Then there is the “Frontier Fiesta“. Touting itself of “the University of Houston’s oldest and proudest tradition,” it’s a big ‘ol party being held this year at the new TDECU Stadium. This year’s Fiesta, thanks to Herman, will include a football team scrimmage. Herman told “The Daily Cougar” he wants students on the sidelines during this scrimmage, and he “might even let (students) call a play or two.”
Simply put, Herman just seems to get it. He’s doing whatever he can to promote his new job because, let’s be honest, Houston football isn’t the top priority in the world of Texas sports. The Coogs compete for players and attention, so Herman’s job is part coach and part PR guy. He’s off to a good start with the latter.
As for the football? Don’t think Herman has forgotten why he’s in Houston. Work is underway on the field in the Herman-era. And just in case you needed proof, the PR machine is all over that part as well.
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