Herb Hand Joins FSU as New Offensive Line Coach

Florida State University (FSU) has officially hired Herb Hand as their new offensive line coach, following the recruitment of fellow coach Gus Malzahn. Hand, well-known in college football, brings a rich history of coaching experience and accolades in offensive line performance, having worked under Malzahn at several high-profile programs.

Herb Hand: A Proven Track Record

Herb Hand's career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including coaching roles at Tulsa, Auburn, Penn State, and UCF. Starting his full-time career as an offensive line coach at Tulsa from 2007 to 2009, he developed a strong relationship with Malzahn, which later led to significant success during their stints together. Hand quickly established himself as one of the premier offensive line coaches in college football.

His coaching journey has included:

• Clemson (Graduate Assistant): 1999-2000
• West Virginia (Recruiting Coordinator & Tight Ends Coach): 2000-06
• Tulsa (Offensive Line Coach): 2007-09
• Vanderbilt (Offensive Line Coach): 2010-13
• Penn State (Offensive Line Coach): 2014-15
• Auburn (Offensive Line Coach): 2016-17
• Texas (Co-Offensive Coordinator & Offensive Line Coach): 2018-20
• UCF (Offensive Line Coach): 2021-2023

Impactful Achievements

Hand is celebrated for his ability to cultivate talented offensive lines that excel in both run and pass protection. His tenure at UCF was particularly notable; the Knights consistently ranked among the top rushing teams in the nation. In 2023, they recorded an impressive 228.2 rushing yards per game, showcasing Hand's ability to mold effective offensive units.

At Auburn, Hand developed an offensive line that became a strong contender for the Joe Moore Award, which recognizes the best offensive line in college football. His 2017 unit was one of the three finalists, a testament to his coaching prowess and strategy. Hand also contributed significantly at Penn State, where his offensive line helped Saquon Barkley set the freshman rushing record with 1,076 yards in 2015.

Recent Performance Highlights

• UCF's Offensive Performance: Under Hand's guidance, the Knights ranked fourth in the country in rushing (228.2 yards per game) and eighth in total offense (487.0 yards per game) in 2023.
• Recognition: Hand was a three-time finalist for Offensive Line Coach of the Year (2008, 2016-17). His former players frequently earned all-conference and All-American honors, further solidifying his reputation as a developer of talent.

The Transition to FSU

Hand's hiring comes at a crucial time for Florida State, as they aim to strengthen their offensive line and improve their running game. His extensive background and history with Malzahn position him as a strategic asset as FSU looks to control the game on the ground, a philosophy shared by both Hand and Malzahn. Given Hand’s impressive coaching pedigree, there’s high expectation for immediate impact on the Seminoles' performance.

Expectations Going Forward

The coaching staff at FSU and their fans are hopeful that Hand’s experience will translate into tangible on-field success. As they embark on the upcoming season, Hand will be instrumental in leading the offensive line to establish the foundation for a productive offensive strategy that emphasizes a powerful run game and effective pass protection.

With a history of cultivating talents that ascend to professional football, Herb Hand’s role will not just be about immediate results; it’s also about developing future NFL prospects. Florida State can anticipate a renewed energy and efficiency in their offensive line, promising exciting football ahead for the Seminole faithful.

Conclusion

Herb Hand's addition to FSU's coaching staff reaffirms the university's commitment to enhancing their football program. His extensive experience, coupled with a successful track record, positions Florida State well for a promising future on the gridiron. Keep an eye on the Seminoles as they integrate this offensive line mastermind into their strategy for upcoming games.