UH officials discussing Tom Herman contract extension

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A day after missing out on an invitation to the Big 12, the University of Houston turned its attention to another piece of important business.

UH athletic director Hunter Yurachek said Tuesday that he’s had “very general conversations” with top university officials on parameters of a new extended contract for football coach Tom Herman.

Yurachek said UH "has to be reasonable” in what it offers Herman, who received a salary bump to $3 million last December, but also wants to send a message the university will do whatever it takes to keep the sought-after second-year coach.

“We have what I consider to be one of the hottest coaching commodities in all of college football,” Yurachek said. “It’s my job to continue to do due diligence and work with (president Renu) Khator and (board of regents) chairman Tilman Fertitta and put together parameters for what potentially could be a new contract offer for coach Herman as we look toward the future and retaining him as head coach.”

Earlier Tuesday during an appearance on the Nate & Creight Show on SB Nation 1560 AM, Yurachek said the university is “very committed” to making it hard for Herman to leave, amid speculation several Power Five schools could initiate contact by the end of the season.

Herman has been mentioned as a candidate for more than a handful of major-conference jobs in the past year, most recently LSU. He is also believed to be at the top of Texas’ wish list if the Longhorns decide to part ways with Charlie Strong at the end of the season.

“I think it’s going to take a phenomenal - and I mean phenomenal – opportunity for coach Herman to leave the University of Houston,” Yurachek told the radio station.

“We’re committed to making it very hard for him to leave here at this point. Somebody is going to have to come and really take him and offer him something really phenomenal, because we are going to make it really hard for him to say no to the University of Houston.”

Tom Herman soaked up an American Athletic title in his first season at UH, but will that perennial goal be enough to stir Herman's intense competitive juices? Tom Herman soaked up an American Athletic title in his first season at UH, but will that perennial goal be enough to stir Herman's intense competitive juices? Photo: Gary Coronado, Staff Photo: Gary Coronado, Staff Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close UH officials discussing Tom Herman contract extension 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

Herman has made an immediate impact at UH, going 19-2 overall and winning the American Athletic Conference championship and New Year’s Six bowl over Florida State in his first season.

UH began this season with an upset over then-No. 3 Oklahoma, climbed as high as sixth in the national polls at 6-0 and spent most of September in the discussion for the College Football Playoff before a road loss to Navy.

There have been no talks with Herman or his agent, Yurachek said.

Before completion of his first season Herman received a salary increase from $1.35 million to $3 million, the richest deal for any coach in school history. He would have been in line for a onetime $5 million bonus had UH been invited into the Big 12.

As part of his contract, Herman must pay a $2.5 million buyout if he leaves before Feb. 28, 2017.

Among the parameters in the works is an indoor practice facility that has already been approved and is set to break ground at the end of the season. In addition, the university is attempting to secure funding for a phase two that would include a football operations building on the west side of TDECU Stadium.

“I don’t think it’s all about salary for coach Herman,” Yurachek said. “I think coach Herman wants the ability to compete for championships year-in and year-out and have the ability to recruit the student athletes that can help this program win and compete for championships. There are going to be many parameters that we look at when we talk about what this could look like for coach Herman in the future here at the University of Houston.”

Following Tuesday night’s practice, Herman said, “it’s flattering to know your administration believes in you.”

“It gives you renewed energy to go out and coach hard and prepare to win football games,” he added. “But we’re a long ways away from any finalization.”