Depends on how we define "righted". Pundits tell us that fans can't get the pitchforks out after the second year because they should not expect to be competing for the playoffs already. No serious Texas fan is clearing their calendars the evening of Dec 29.
When:
you sign a contract for >$5M/yr for five years
your performance is evaluated in a very public way on a regular basis
you have significantly more resources and talent at your disposal than the majority of your competition
you are the head football coach at the University of Texas
you are knowingly accepting accountability to deliver results better and faster than is typical.
Most fans were hesitantly accepting of last years performance considering the recent past performance and the coaching transition. Aside from the Maryland and Tech games, they won the games they should have and closely competed with ranked USC, OU, and OKST, beat ranked WVU on the road, and won their bowl game. Herman's staff has done well off the field in recruiting, facilities, conditioning, and social media, but those are the raw materials - not the final product you are judged on.
What should fans expect from the second season of a coach who knowingly accepted accountability to deliver results better and faster than is typical? Demonstrated traction. The 2018 prediction thread earlier this year clustered around 9-3 or 8-4, which I think would indicate traction. Extrapolating, that means:
only allowed one head scratcher game (he's used that up one game into the season)
demonstrate consistent competence
put away low and midlevel teams by the end of the 3rd quarter
minimal player confusion
minimal stupid / irresponsible penalties (already saw issues here at MD)
nip the Tim Beck controversy in the bud through on the field execution or separation
minimal off the field distractions / disciplinary / academic issues
against USC, TCU, OU, WVU:
you can get smoked once
you are competitive in every other game
you win one or two of those competitive games you lost last year
An 8-4 regular season after several years of 6 and 7 wins and getting to play BU, KU, TT, ISU in conference is not asking for the moon from a coach that knowingly accepted accountability to deliver results better and faster than is typical.
If you tell any coach worthy of coaching at this level that they can come to Texas with all of its resources, get paid >$5M/yr, can go 7-6 their first year, and that they will be expected to do a little better than 7-6 in year two, I doubt they would balk at that.