Collaboration is the key for Texas’ play-callers
AUSTIN — In the midst of another query about which Texas coach would take the lead on offensive play-calling, Tom Herman decided to get cozy.
As a smirk spread across his face, the second-year coach sunk his head into his right palm. Propped up on the lectern like some weary, fed-up student, Herman waited for the questioner to finish.
“Yeah, I got criticized at Ohio State, and my boss took up for me,” Herman said, alluding to his time as offensive coordinator under now-embattled coach Urban Meyer. “I got criticized at Iowa State at times, and my boss took up for me. Major Applewhite got criticized at times (at Houston), and I took up for him, because it is unfair. It’s absolutely unfair.”
Herman, as he has done virtually since the moment he hired Tim Beck as offensive coordinator, again was defending and deflecting. An array of similar questions have swirled since Herman commandeered playcalling for the Texas Bowl, and the head coach has just about reached his breaking point.
Compared with the storm that has settled in over Maryland, this is a small-scale controversy, if it registers as one at all.
Ultimately, “veto power” rests with Herman. Beck and cooffensive coordinator Herb Hand flank him on the council. Remaining position coaches are allowed a degree of input, too.
That, at least for now, seems to be the chain of command. But from the time he arrived, Herman has maintained every voice matters, regardless of title.
“Game plans are formulated throughout the week and throughout the offseason, and there is an immense amount of collaboration in between series of what we want to see, the next series of adjustments that we need to make based on what we’re seeing,” Herman said. “Especially in Game 1s, because there is no identity, right? You assume you’re going to get something similar to what you got last year, but who knows. There could be something completely different, and you need to adjust.”
To Herman, it is irrelevant where the play originates. What matters is execution and timing.
The Longhorns will find out whether they have improved in those areas Saturday when it kicks off the season against the Terrapins at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
Maryland has spent the offseason struggling with the weight of a player death and reports of a toxic, dangerous culture under coach DJ Durkin, who remains on administrative leave.
The Terrapins’ defense lost three-time leading tackler Jermaine Carter Jr. and touts only one player who has made more than 11 career starts — senior defensive back Darnell Savage Jr.
Even in Maryland territory, 23rd-ranked Texas will enter as an overwhelming favorite, just as it did last year. And for that reason, the Longhorns are on high alert.
“This is a team in Maryland that they don’t think they can beat you,” Herman said. “They know they can beat you, because they have. There’s a lot of guys on that team at Maryland that know that they’ve beaten Texas.”
Herman, Beck and the rest of the minds forming UT’s offensive braint rust genuinely believe this year’s team is better equipped to handle Maryland. For one, quarterback Sam Ehlinger has grown more as a pocket passer, and a healthy and whole offensive line should be able to hold up better after surrendering five sacks in last year’s 51-41 loss.
A deeper, more multifaceted running back rotation — Tre Watson, Daniel Young, Keaontay Ingram and Toneil Carter — should all see the field and alleviate some of the burden on Ehlinger. Last year, Texas rushed for 98 yards on 31 carries (3.2 yards per carry) against Maryland.
“I see all three, maybe four,” Beck said Thursday of the running backs. “I saw things out of Toneil and Danny I didn’t see last year. Both of those guys have gotten much better.
“And obviously Keaontay and Tre bring a different dimension with some of the open-field running and the speed they possess. But all four of those guys, I have confidence in any of them. There’s a lot of pride in that room.”
Beck shrugged off the inevitable play-calling questions that flew his way. Like Herman, he emphasized cooperation and downplayed the importance of who truly pulls the strings.
All that matters, at least outwardly, is putting the team in a position to get to 1-0.
“I try not to get caught up in those things,” Beck said. “I’ve got a job to do, and my job is to put forth the best plan for these kids to have them go out there and win.
“And it is a collaboration.”