ARIZONA STATE FOOTBALL

Todd Graham: Worst coach in the Pac-12?

Apr 18, 2013, 11:34 PM | Updated: 11:54 pm

In 2011, the Arizona State football team that completely collapsed down the stretch — losing six of its last seven games.

Oh, did I mention that the Sun Devils were the most-penalized team in all of college football that season?

Enter Todd Graham, who took over as head coach in December of 2011, and in one season, led the Devils to an 8-5 record, their first bowl win since 2005 and transformed them into the least-penalized team in the Pac-12.

Pretty impressive, right?

Not in the eyes of Sporting News writer Matt Hayes, who ranked the coaches of the Pac-12 — and has Graham dead last in the poll.

The coaching nomad held it together last season after a quick start dissolved into ugly, weekly losses. No matter what you think of him after all of his job jumping, there’s no denying that Graham wins everywhere he goes.

Something smells like a contradiction. Oh wait, it’s Hayes’ write-up on Graham.

How can a coach rank 12th out of 12 when he “wins wherever he goes?”

Incidentally, Athlon Sports ranked all 125 FBS coaches in an article last week, and Graham ranked 29th in the nation and fourth in the Pac-12.

Arizona State Football

Kenny Dillingham...

Arizona Sports

Arizona State football lands former Colorado and Houston RB Alton McCaskill

Former Colorado and Houston running back Alton McCaskill committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils, reports ESPN's Pete Thamel.

12 hours ago

The NCAA logo is seen on the game ball during the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tourname...

Associated Press

Paying college athletes appears closer than ever: How could it work, what stands in way?

A settlement being discussed in an antitrust lawsuit could cost billions and pave the way for a compensation model for college athletes.

3 days ago

Mug shot of former Arizona State pass rusher and seven-time NFL Pro Bowler Terrell Suggs....

Arizona Sports

Former Arizona State star Terrell Suggs to stand trial on intimidation, disorderly conduct charges

Former Arizona State star Terrell Suggs was indicted by a grand jury on two charges and will face a trial on Sept. 19.

3 days ago

Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl logo...

Arizona Sports

Snoop Dogg’s ‘Gin & Juice’ brand takes over sponsorship of Arizona Bowl

The Arizona Bowl was searching for a sponsor replacement. It's the Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl presented by Gin & Juice by Dre and Snoop.

4 days ago

Quarterback Jaden Rashada #5 of the Arizona State Sun Devils during the NCAAF game at Mountain Amer...

Damon Allred

Where do incoming, outgoing ASU, Arizona football transfers rank?

The transfer portal has never been more active, so where does ESPN rank past and future ASU and Arizona players?

4 days ago

Kenny Dillingham of the Arizona State Sun Devils at Rose Bowl Stadium on November 11, 2023 in Pasad...

Damon Allred

Former Brophy DL Zac Swanson transfers from Texas to Arizona State

Former Brophy defensive lineman Zac Swanson is transferring from Texas to Arizona State, he announced on Thursday.

7 days ago

Todd Graham: Worst coach in the Pac-12?