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Graham abandons Pitt for Arizona State

I liked the Todd Graham hire by the Pitt football team in January.

I was looking forward to seeing his high-powered offense in action. I liked the idea of his commitment to Pitt he said after his hire. He talked a great game.

Less than a year later, I have lost all respect for the man.

Graham up-and-left for Arizona State, leaving Pitt, his players and the program on a whim.

Well, maybe it wasn't a whim. Maybe he knew his up-tempo style just wasn't going to work in Year 2 at Pitt. Maybe he couldn't get the right quarterback to run his offense. Maybe he wanted to leave before everyone else figured out that he wasn't as good of a coach as he made himself out to be. Maybe he didn't like the weather.

He's a Sun Devil now.

Ask a Pitt player, and I'd guess they'd say he's something like the devil instead.

Graham notified his players by text or email -- how nice. Nothing being committed to your job.

Athletic director Steve Pederson agreed:

"First and foremost, I want to express the complete support of the University of Pittsburgh for the young men in our football program. Their commitment over this past year has been unwavering and they deserve better than this as they look forward to completing their season with a bowl."

I guess commitment for Graham was like a high-powered offense. It never really developed after a lot of talk.

This move by Graham certainly caught many people by surprise. Pederson got a phone call Tuesday night from Graham and told him he didn't have permission to seek another job.

Of course, Graham fled.

Good luck, Arizona State, you're in for a heck of a ride with your new coach.

And, beware, it might only be for a season, based on Graham's job-jumping.

Good riddance for Pitt.

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