Todd Graham Resigns As Hawaii’s Head Coach
Warriors are in the market for a new head coach
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Good news, Hawaii fans!
The Hawaii football program is in the need for a new head coach as Todd Graham abruptly resigned late Friday night, according to a school release.
There have been issues brewing in the Warriors program and it all came boiling to the surface with a Twitter Spaces in early December where current and former players aired their grievances in public to shine a light on what was going on in Hawaii.
There were reports about how Graham was treating players differently depending on if they were a starter, contributor, or a walk-on. He was verbally abusive, according to players, and openly said he was using Hawaii as a way to get an NFL job.
The Hawaii State Senate had a hearing just this past week that was not a good look for Graham or athletics director David Matlin who was firmly standing behind Graham, even if they had the money to buy him out.
The quote from Matlin regarding Graham is still not a good look with a line about creating a “positive impact” on the football players. (bolded for emphasis).
“Todd informed me of his decision to resign,” said UH Athletics Director David Matlin. “We enjoyed many successes under his leadership even as he faced pandemic conditions, the withdrawal of Aloha Stadium, and the prohibition of any fans for nearly all his time with us. Todd’s tireless efforts as a coach have made a positive impact on many student-athletes. We have talked at length, and it is clear he has taken this action so that the football program can thrive moving forward.”
Not that Matlin needs to bash the outgoing coach but that comment about being a positive impact is so out of touch because it was one of the main reason so many Warrior football players have transferred.
Graham’s statement is a canned response as well with “family” and “health” as a reason to step away.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as the Head Football Coach at the University of Hawai’i for the past two seasons. After much prayer and reflection with my family, I have come to the conclusion that I will step away as head coach of the Rainbow Warriors, with a very heavy heart. I want to give my thanks and appreciation to the players, staff and coaches who persevered through all the challenges of 2020 and 2021. It wasn’t easy, but they all fought the good fight and we did things the right way.
Our staff poured our hearts and souls into our players and truly made a difference in their lives. I could not have asked more of their commitment, work ethic and love for our players and football program. But it is clear to me that I must step away and do what is best for me and my family and my health. I honor, value and love all of my players and coaches and I wish you the very best. The University has not asked me to step down. I am leaving solely for my family and my health. We have laid a strong foundation for future success, and I will always be cheering you on!
Maybe this is too cynical but saying this line is a slap in the face to those who brought out concerns on Graham’s treatment of players: “I could not have asked more of their commitment, work ethic and love for our players and football program.”
The Warriors will not owe Graham any more money has he is resigning from his post.
However, the damage has been done with so many players transferring and already taking classes at their new school. The next coach for Hawaii will have a lot of work to do to get this program where it should be and dig it out of the hole that Graham caused with so many transfers.
The next coach should be someone who knows Hawaii football well and have connections to the islands.
The one suggestion we provide is to not hire June Jones for another go as the head coach but use him to help find the next coach for Hawaii football.
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