Tom Herman introduced as Texas coach, promises 'championships'

Tom Herman was introduced as the new Texas football coach Sunday, capping a whirlwind several weeks.

Herman, 41, coached much of his second season at Houston navigating rumors about his future under the pursuit of some of the nation's biggest programs, including the Longhorns. Texas fired coach Charlie Strong on Saturday and announced the hiring of Herman, who held a 22-4 record with the Cougars, including a 6-0 mark against top 25 teams.

Herman started Sunday's news conference by calling it an "unbelievable opportunity to be a part of the Longhorn family."

“I am truly honored and humbled to be the next coach of Texas," he said. "You have my word I will work my hardest to produce a team you are proud of."

Texas has taken a precipitous fall from prominence since the departure of Mack Brown in 2013, but Herman said he's up to the challenge of reviving a winning culture. He talked about gaining a relationship with some of Texas' best high schools, making sure the state's top student-athletes head to Austin.

“The University of Texas is a special place and deserves a seat amongst college football elite," Herman said. "We will win championships and do it with class.”

The Longhorns have not won a national championship since 2005 under Brown, who was in attendance Sunday.

Herman, who once worked under Brown as a graduate assistant, gave the former coach a hug before speaking.