Todd Graham’s tenure as Hawaii manager came to an end after two seasons. Graham resigned on Friday night.
“After much prayer and reflection with my family, I have come to the conclusion that I will step down as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors, with a very heavy heart,” he said in a statement. a university statement.
The decision to leave comes a week after two state Senate committees heard harsh testimony from former players who accused Graham of abusive behavior and creating a toxic culture in the club. programme. Graham denied the claims and UH’s athletic director David Matlin, who also testified at the meeting, expressed support for the coach.
Hawaii is 11-11 under Graham. It qualified for bowl games both seasons but chose not to play in the 2021 Hawaii Bowl, citing COVID-19 and roster issues.
Why did Todd Graham resign as Hawaii team coach?
Graham has been under pressure to quit or be fired since the end of the Rainbow Warriors’ season. Players accused him of being a verbally abusive “tyrant” who created a toxic culture on the show. 17 UH players, including midfielder Chevan Cordeiro, have joined the transfer portal since the end of November.
A group of former players made damning statements in testimony at a January 7 meeting about Graham conducted by the Ways and Means and Higher Education committees of the Hawaii Senate.
“I try to see the good in everyone and give everyone a chance, but he’s the worst guy I’ve ever met in my life,” former defender Henry Lee said of Graham, according to KITV.com. Lee was fired from the team following initial criticism of Graham, mwwire.com reported.
Graham testified that no verbal abuse occurred.
“I’ve tried to remove some of the language. We’re not perfect and don’t claim to be ourselves. All I can tell you is my experience in that dressing room and with their team. We were very demanding and worked with our kids and trained them hard, but also loved them,” he said on KITV.
Graham also expressed a similar sentiment when he announced his resignation.
“Our staff have poured their heart and soul into our players and really made a difference in their lives. I couldn’t ask for more in terms of commitment, dedication, and dedication. their work ethic and their love of our football players and programme, but it was clear to me that I had to go ahead and do what was best for me and my family and my health. I honor, cherish and love all of my players and coaches and I wish them all the best,” he said.
What is Todd Graham’s contract status?
Graham stepped down with three years remaining on a five-year, $3.96 million contract. UH indicated in its statement that it does not owe Graham any more money because of his resignation. The Honolulu’s Star-Advertiser reported that Hawaii will have to pay Graham $1.275 million to buy back his contract, though Matlin said last week he would stick with Graham even if the buyback money is raised.
Graham is scheduled to earn $800,000 a year from 2022 to 2024. His contract also includes incentives.
Who will replace Todd Graham as Hawaii team coach?
Linebackers coach Jacob Yoro was appointed interim head coach. Yoro has been a coach with Rainbow Warriors since 2017. In its statement, UH said the search for a full-time coach would begin immediately.
There was a boost on Twitter in the initial moments after Graham resigned to Hawaii to bring in former head coach June Jones, who led the program to a record 75-41 from 1999 to 2007. and a spot at the 2007 Sugar Bowl.
