Hawaii football coach Todd Graham resigned on Friday after two seasons with the school in the face of growing allegations of mismanagement of players in the program.
Graham’s decision comes a week after a state Senate hearing in which former players testified alleging verbal abuse and other issues in the culture of the football show. Athletics director David Modlin and other executives have been in favor of Graham despite allegations and departures from 17 players via the NCAA’s transfer portal since November.
In a statement, Graham said he had not been asked to step down following two seasons and an 11-11 record. He had three years left on his five-year contract and earned $ 800,000 annually.
“Our staff poured our hearts and souls into our soldiers and made a truly difference in their lives,” Graham said in a prepared statement. “I could not have asked for more of our commitment, work ethic and love for our players and football programs. But it is clear to me that I want to stay away and do the best for myself and my family and my health. I respect and value and love all of my players and coaches. Congratulations to you. I’m not resigning. I’m leaving only for my family and my health. We have laid a solid foundation for future success, and I will always encourage you! “
During the Senate hearing, former players called Graham a “tyrant” and a “hypocrite”, while Graham said he did not abuse any of the players verbally and acted with the training style he demanded. Hawaii State Senator Donna Mercado Kim told KHON-TV on Tuesday that the government could pay $ 1.275 million for Graham’s purchase.
The allegations against Graham first surfaced on December 1 during a Twitter space debate hosted by former players RJ Hollis and Daryl McBride Jr. SFGATE.com story Many of these players spoke out against Graham.
Graham, 57, has previously served as head coach at Pit, Tulsa and Rice, Arizona, and holds the career record of 106-72.
“Dot’s tireless efforts as a coach have had a positive impact on many student-athletes,” Madeline said in a prepared statement. “We talked for a long time and it is clear that he has taken this step to move the football project forward.”
Hawaii will immediately begin the search for Graham’s heir.
