UH's Tom Herman named AAC co-coach of the year

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University of Houston coach Tom Herman was named the American Athletic Conference's co-coach of the year on Wednesday.

In his first season, Herman has led the Cougars to 11-1 overall record and spot in the league's championship game.

"Just another notch in the belt of validation for what we have built thus far," Herman said. "Certainly not a finished product, we have two games left, but it adds another brick in that validation wall."

Herman shared the award with Navy's Ken Niumatalolo.

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Herman became only the fifth head football coach in NCAA history to begin a career 10-0, part of a resurgence that has the Cougars one win away from playing in a major New Year's bowl for the first time in 31 years.

The 11 wins are tied for the second most in school history. UH can capture its first conference title in nine years and book a ticket to either the Fiesta Bowl or Peach Bowl with a win over Temple in Saturday's AAC championship game.

Herman is the first UH football coach to earn a postseason coach of the year award since 2011. He's the fifth overall, joining Sumlin (2009, 2011), Art Briles (2006) and Kim Helton (1996), who all won while the Cougars were member of Conference USA.

UH had 11 players receive All-AAC honors.

After leading his team to the AAC West Division championship, UH coach Tom Herman was named the AAC co-coach of the year Wednesday.



Click through the gallery for a timeline of Herman's UH tenure. After leading his team to the AAC West Division championship, UH coach Tom Herman was named the AAC co-coach of the year Wednesday.



Click through the gallery for a timeline of Herman's UH tenure. Photo: Houston Chronicle Photo: Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 23 Caption Close UH's Tom Herman named AAC co-coach of the year 1 / 23 Back to Gallery

Wide receiver Demarcus Ayers was selected to the Al-AAC first team as a receiver and return specialist and was joined by linebacker Elandon Roberts and free safety Trevon Stewart in voting conducted by the league's coaches.

Seven Cougars were selected to the second team: quarterback Greg Ward Jr., running back Kenneth Farrow, strong safety Adrian McDonald, linebacker Steven Taylor, cornerback William Jackson III, left tackle Alex Cooper and defensive lineman B.J. Singleton.

True freshman center Will Noble was named All-AAC honorable mention.

Cornerback Brandon Wilson, who has returned two kickoffs, an interception and fumble for touchdowns this season, was a notable omission from the postseason honors.