Former Texas Longhorns Head Football Coach, Tom Herman, has officially filed a jaw-dropping $56 million lawsuit against the University of Texas administration, sending shockwaves through the college football world. According to documents filed earlier this week in Travis County, Herman claims the university violated key terms of his original contract and engaged in what he describes as “egregious and deliberate misconduct” that not only cost him his job but also damaged his ability to coach elsewhere. The lawsuit, which details a long list of grievances, alleges wrongful termination, breach of contract, and defamation—claims that, if proven true, could have wide-reaching implications for university athletics governance.
Herman, who coached the Longhorns from 2017 to 2020, led the team to several high-profile bowl victories and a 32–18 record before being dismissed by the university in favor of Steve Sarkisian. At the time, Texas officials described the decision as a “strategic move for the program’s future,” but Herman’s lawsuit paints a very different picture. He asserts that his firing was politically motivated, influenced by internal conflicts and disagreements with athletic department officials over player management, recruiting strategies, and financial decisions. In one section of the filing, Herman claims he was deliberately undermined by key figures within the department who “sought to destroy his credibility from within.”
The $56 million figure, according to sources close to the case, represents not only the remainder of Herman’s contract and performance bonuses but also estimated losses to his future career earnings. Herman’s legal team argues that the university’s handling of his dismissal created a “stain” on his professional reputation, making it difficult for him to secure major coaching offers. Since leaving Texas, Herman has bounced between assistant coaching roles and short-term analyst positions, a trajectory that he attributes directly to what he calls the university’s “calculated effort to silence and discredit” him.
The University of Texas has yet to release an official statement, but insiders suggest the administration is preparing a strong legal defense. University attorneys reportedly plan to argue that Herman’s termination was conducted in accordance with contractual terms and that the claims of defamation are “baseless.” Current Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian, who has since stabilized the program and led the Longhorns to a College Football Playoff appearance, has chosen not to comment publicly. However, sources within the team say the lawsuit has stirred quiet tension around the program, with some staff members privately expressing concern about the potential fallout.
The timing of the lawsuit is particularly striking. Texas football is currently enjoying a period of resurgence under Sarkisian, with renewed national attention and top-tier recruiting classes ahead of their move into the SEC. Herman’s decision to pursue legal action now has led some observers to speculate that the former coach hopes to leverage the spotlight to amplify his case. Sports analysts have also pointed out that the university’s high-profile financial commitments—especially in facilities and NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) initiatives—could make the case even more complicated if the court finds mismanagement or financial discrepancies tied to Herman’s dismissal.
Legal experts say the case could drag on for years, especially if both sides refuse to settle. The lawsuit’s success will likely depend on whether Herman can prove that his termination violated the “good faith” clause common in major college coaching contracts. If successful, this could set a major precedent in the world of collegiate athletics, potentially giving more power to coaches who feel wronged by their institutions. Conversely, if Texas successfully defends itself, it would reaffirm universities’ broad authority to terminate coaching contracts based on performance and institutional direction.
As the news spreads, reactions across the college football community remain divided. Some fans believe Herman has every right to seek justice, arguing that he laid the foundation for the program’s current success. Others see the lawsuit as a desperate attempt to stay relevant in a fast-evolving football landscape. Regardless of public opinion, one thing is certain—the battle between Tom Herman and the University of Texas is far from over. And with $56 million on the line, the case promises to be one of the most closely watched legal showdowns in modern college football history.
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