Houston chairman: We will not lose Tom Herman over money

If Houston is going to lose Tom Herman to another school, it won’t be over a lack of money.

Tilman Fertitta, chairman of the University of Houston Board of Regents, spoke with FOX 26 in Houston and said he did not fear losing Herman because of financial reasons.

“We’re not going to lose him over money,” Fertitta told FOX 26. “If he wants to leave, he’s going to leave. I don’t think Tom Herman has any desire to leave over money. It’s because he would want to go to a program where he feels like he personally has a better chance of competing for a national championship every year.

“We will do whatever it takes to keep Tom Herman at the University of Houston. We’re not going to lose Tom Herman because of money. If Tom Herman wants to go LSU or Texas or Oregon or Baylor or wherever else, we cannot stop him from doing that. He’s not going to leave because of money.”

Fertitta’s position is pretty clear. He also says officials from the school have been in constant contact with the coach’s agent and that they plan to meet with the coach to pay him what he is worth. Keep in mind that Houston already gave Herman a raise last year to $2.8 million.

Though Houston’s attitude and approach in the matter is admirable, they still may not be able to retain the coach regardless of how much money they throw his way. With LSU, Texas and Baylor all in the market for a new coach, Herman could see a rare opportunity to move to a higher-profile school. The Texas job may be especially appealing because of the tradition it carries. Winning at a school like Texas is a lot different from winning at a school like Houston because of the prestige and fandom associated with the job in Austin. Plus, reports already say many Texas boosters are pressuring the school to hire Herman. That could be too much for Houston to overcome.