Todd Graham to earn $760K during 1st year as University of Hawaii’s new head football coach
BRIAN McINNIS / bmcinnis@staradvertiser.com
University of Hawaii athletic director David Matlin, Todd Graham, and UH President David Lassner pose for photographers after Graham was introduced today as the new UH head football coach in Manoa.
With pep rally-themed festivities, the University of Hawaii introduced Todd Graham as its new head football coach.
Graham, 55, who most recently was head coach at Arizona State in 2017, vowed to maintain a productive offensive while promising to deliver an attacking defense. Graham also emphasized his players bringing the same tenacity to their school work.
UH officials announced Graham received a five-year contract, which will pay a base $760,000 this year and $800,000 a year thereafter. It is the same terms UH was prepared to offer Nick Rolovich, who resigned last week to become Washington State’s head coach.
Graham said he met with the UH players this morning. He said he plans to meet with the four UH assistant coaches who are on expiring one-year contracts.
Graham said he has not made any new hires.
“I’m not hiring all my buddies,” he said. “I’m going to hire guys that fit here. I’m a process guy. I’m not going to make emotional decisions and I’m going to take my time to make sure that we get it right.”
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Graham said he and his wife plan to buy a house in Honolulu.
He also is expected to be involved in fundraising for the program. At his four previous head coaching jobs, he was instrumental improving programs, sometimes jump starting fund raising with his own money.
>> PHOTOS: A look back at Todd Graham’s time as former Arizona State head coach
Graham has been head coach at Arizona State (2012-2017), Pittsburgh (2011), Tulsa (2007-2010), and Rice (2006). In 12 seasons as head coach, he compiled a 95-61 record with 10 bowl appearances. He led Tulsa to a 62-35 victory over UH in the 2010 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
“Go Bows,” Graham said as he concluded the press conference.
Watch the Facebook live video from earlier this afternoon.
