Todd Graham is a man of few words. “High Octane” was his mantra, but “Low Grade” will be his legacy.
He is headed west to take his explosive playbook, full proof decision making, and sterling 6-6 record to Arizona State.
Graham apparently told his players the news via text message through someone in the athletic department; no classier way to say thanks for the quick stepping stone than by a quick mass text.
There is no word yet whether Tino Sunseri, was included on this mass e-mail or if his permanent residence in Graham’s doghouse prevented him from having cell phone service to get the farewell message.
The Pittsburgh media and Pitt’s players have been quite vocal with their outrage over Graham’s decision and the way it was done. Many members of the media are trumpeting how wrong Graham leaving is, but are being very selective with their memories of Graham joining Pitt.
He was always viewed as a coach who was constantly planning for his next job; every job was a stepping stone for him. The media knew this last year and brushed it aside and said that’s the type of guy it takes to win.
Now the same media members are supposedly shocked and appalled? When you hire a snake, you can’t be mad when it slithers away.
The players have every right to be upset and angry; they were lied to and treated with great disrespect. A number of players voiced their feelings through social media. Devin Street was probably the most vocal and emotional. Here’s what the team had to say about their beloved coach:
“@d_street_15: I feel like dirt and I was just abused. For a year”
“@d_street_15: Just to let yall know he just told us he’s here to stay when Coach McGee left.. Said him and his coaches have 5 year contractsBuc_so_Nasty24: Me and my team are football orphans will someone please come coach us and stay”hey blatantly use players’ as a ”
“@d_street_15: I’m literally sick.. That man pulled me in his office one on one and lied to me”
“@d_street_15: Another quote he said was ‘I don’t care if I get fired I’m a millionaire I can go to the Caribbean and be fine.’ #selfish”
“@Mike_Shan87: So how can coaches leave after one year but if players do we gotta sit out? After they blatantly use players”
“@Trey_Anderson10: On the plus side, I saved money on my car insurance by switching to Geico”
“@Buc_so_Nasty24: Me and my team are football orphans will someone please come coach us and stay”
“@B_Lindsey7: For someone who said they read the bible everyday, must’ve missed pg w. “thou shall not lie”
“@TimBenzSYR: “In the past year, Pitt has had more football coaches than Spinal Tap had drummers.”
Ok maybe that last one wasn’t from a Pitt player, but it was too good to ignore.
In his introduction press conference Graham said that he wants to come back and talk to his players, ‘the right way.’ Something tells me that probably isn’t going to happen anytime soon.
The bright spot in this messed up situation is the fact that this should bring the team together and serve as a great source of motivation going forward; a strong mutual hate for someone can do wonders.
Pitt’s athletic department needs to be very careful with the upcoming coaching search and selection. The next hire is going to be crucial in either advancing the program or burying it for years.
The Sports Jags have already told the Pirates which shortstop to choose and the NHL how to realign its new conferences, so why not do the same for Pitt’s coaching search? We guarantee that one of these candidates will ultimately get the job.
Teryl Austin (Ravens DBs coach): Another popular choice for the spot last year; would be a good fit but timing issues may prevent him from interviewing and ultimately getting the job. He is currently the defensive backs coach for the Baltimore Ravens and they plan on playing into late January and early February.
Tom Bradley (Penn State interim coach): Everyone’s favorite coach that no one wants to hire. Would have been an ideal fit and in retrospective should have probably been hired last year. Probably doesn’t have much of a chance now since everything inState College is tainted with the stench of Jerry Sandusky. He is just too risky for Pitt at this stage.
Luke Fickell (Ohio State head coach that got Urban Meyered): If you thought Pitt had a “High Octane” offense last year, take a look at some of the numbers Ohio State put up. To give Fickell credit he didn’t inherit the best situation with his best players in and out of the lineup due to suspensions.
Paul Rhoads (Iowa State head coach): Rhoads is the current head coach for Iowa State and former Pitt defensive coordinator. Not sure how this would be an upgrade for him, maybe he is just sick of corn. Would be a big time hire and bring the most experience and success aside from Tressel.
Jim Tressel (Colts gameday consultant – we’re not sure what that is either): How would Pittsburgh handle a sweater vest on the sidelines at Heinz Field? His dapper dress hides the fact that he has a history of NCAA investigations and sanctions. How would have thought someone that dresses like Mr. Rogers would be too risky for Pitt.
Just in case: Sal Sunseri, Randy Shannon, Al Golden, Mark Stoops, Dave Doeren, and Paul Chryst.
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