Todd Graham resigns as University of Hawaii head football coach

Todd Graham has resigned as the University of Hawaii football team’s head coach.

Graham had been embroiled in controversy since December, when several players spoke out about the difficult environment fostered under his leadership.

Graham, who was hired in January 2020 as successor to Nick Rolovich, was 11-11 in two seasons as UH head coach.

“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,” Graham said in a statement. “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.”

Graham had just completed the second year of a five-year contract.

“Todd informed me of his decision to resign,” said UH Athletics Director David Matlin in a statement. “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.”

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