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On Saturday morning, the Texas Longhorns announced the termination of head coach Tom Herman after four seasons and a 32-18 record that included four bowl wins.
The news clearly caught some current players by surprise, but other former players took to Twitter to share their dislike of their former head coach. Meanwhile, at least one 2021 signee affirmed their commitment to playing on the Forty Acres despite Herman being fired.
Redshirt junior wide receiver Joshua Moore thanked Herman for giving him a second opportunity after his arrest prior to the 2019 season. Moore sat out that year as punishment, but returned to lead Texas in receptions (30), receiving yards (472), and receiving touchdowns (nine).
You gave me a second chance when you didn’t have to. For that, I appreciate you. Goodluck in the future coach! pic.twitter.com/l6S7ezbpJM
— JOSHUA MOORE (@_TheJoshuaMoore) January 2, 2021
Junior tight end Jared Wiley thanked Herman as well.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to showcase myself at a place like Texas. Goodluck at your next spot coach! https://t.co/zCQ5U5kHVe
— JDub (@Jaredwiley23) January 2, 2021
Other players expressed their surprise.
December 33rd of 2020....Cause ain’t no way we starting 2021 like this ♂️ https://t.co/pc6zvF6rmp
— DeMarvion Overshown (@AGENT0__) January 2, 2021
Redshirt junior nose tackle Keondre Coburn used the opportunity to advocate for a defensive coaching staff that helped the Longhorns rebound from a disappointing 2019 season that resulted in the termination of defensive coordinator Todd Orlando and every defensive assistant except for defensive line coach Oscar Giles.
Keep coach ash and the whole defense of staff @CoachHutzler @CoachMarkHagen @JayValai @CoachChrisAsh @OscarGiles95
— Keondre Coburn⁹⁹ (@KeondreCoburn99) January 2, 2021
Redshirt senior cornerback Josh Thompson joined Coburn’s plea.
THE WHOLE D STAFF! https://t.co/FVKBRwp9cx
— Josh Thompson (@given__talent) January 2, 2021
Caden Sterns, who opted out of the bowl game and declared for the 2021 NFL Draft, brought a sober perspective to his own take on Herman’s firing.
That’s why you gotta do what’s right for your family and you or you’ll get caught up with the politics in CFB. The business isn’t pretty at all.
— Caden Sterns (@CSterns_7) January 2, 2021
Some of Herman’s former players celebrated, like running back Chris Warren, who planned on transferring following the 2017 season before eventually declaring for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Texas, WE’RE BAAAAAACK!
— Chris Warren III (@ScorealldayCW25) January 2, 2021
Former offensive lineman Brandon Hodges expressed a similar opinion.
Tom outta there Thank God!
— Brandon Hodges (@BHoD_31) January 2, 2021
Charles Omenihu and DeShon Elliott both deleted tweets featuring opinions that were clearly critical towards Herman and their time playing for him at Texas.
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Former linebacker Tim Cole expressed a desire for the fanbase to come together behind Herman’s replacement.
Whoever you hire at Texas, everybody needs to support him and let him work. Quit harassing these coaches and calling for they job every week. How you supposed to coach like that?
— Timothy Cole Jr. (@Timbo_Cole30) January 2, 2021
As for future Longhorns, 2021 linebacker signee Terrence Cooks expressed his commitment to playing for Texas and its next head coach.
UT til I’m dead and gone
— “COOKIE ” (@ii_cooks) January 2, 2021
Offensive lineman Hayden Conner also affirmed his plan to suit up for the Horns.
Last time I’m saying it and I’m done with the subject...we aren’t going anywhere. We committed to THE University of Texas! #HookEm https://t.co/5LeT7JV1FR
— Hayden Conner (@HaydenConner) January 2, 2021