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How Longhorns coach Tom Herman wants to be ‘dad to everybody’ after losing father to addiction, homelessness

Editor's note: SportsDay feature writer Brad Townsend profiled Longhorns coach Tom Herman in February, shortly after Herman began his stint at Texas. We're bringing the piece back in honor of Father's Day.

AUSTIN -- On his way out of the Moncrief-Neuhaus Athletic complex for a quick lunch, Tom Herman glances at photos of Texas' 1963, 1969, 1970 and 2005 national championship football teams.

He briskly passes Earl Campbell's and Ricky Williams' encased Heisman Trophies. Clearly, 41-year-old Herman is in a hurry, yet he pauses near the door and turns toward the facility's receptionist.

"Hook 'em," he says, flashing the corresponding hand signal until the receptionist replies in kind.