Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano has hired former Allen High School and college football head coach Todd Graham to its athletic department.
Graham most recently served as the head coach at the University of Hawaii, where he led the Rainbow Warriors to an 11-11 record over two seasons but resigned amid complaints of “verbal abuse” toward players.
The alleged abuse led several Hawaii players to transfer, including its starting quarterback, and drew the attention of the state Senate.
While it is widely believed the abuse claims led to his resignation, Graham’s statement after his departure cited other reasons.
“Our staff poured our hearts and souls into our players and truly made a difference in their lives,” it read in part. “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!”
The Dallas Morning News reported that the school would not answer questions about Graham’s past, and The Dallas Express has yet to receive a response from school administration or the athletic department.
The Mesquite native has also been a head coach at Rice, Tulsa, Pittsburgh, and Arizona State, becoming one of a select group of coaches to amass more than 100 wins, and was the co-defensive coordinator for West Virginia and Tulsa after leaving Allen High School. In his lone season at Rice, he took the Owls to their first bowl game in 45 years.
Graham coached high school and Division II college football in Texas from 1988 through 2000, beginning his career as an assistant at Mequite’s Poteet High School before briefly moving to East Central University. He became a head coach for the first time at Carl Albert High School in 1994, then led Allen to five playoff appearances in six years at the helm.
According to DMN, who confirmed the reports late last week, Graham’s official title will be “Senior Director of PCA System Development and Athletics.
