The Arizona State Sun Devils have parted ways with Todd Graham, who has spent the last six years as ASU's head football coach, ABC15 confirmed Sunday.
Devils Digest reported Sunday that Graham was fired following a morning meeting with ASU athletic director Ray Anderson. Graham is still owed over $11 million, as his contract is set to expire in 2021.
The 52-year-old Graham had a career 46-31 record at the Sun Devils helm, including a 7-5 overall and 6-3 Pac-12 record this season. He has a 4-2 career record against the Arizona Wildcats following Saturday's 42-30 Territorial Cup win at Sun Devil Stadium.
Graham led ASU to the 2013 Pac-12 South title and five bowl appearances in six years. But 2017 was his first winning season in three years in Tempe.
Current and former ASU players have already reacted to the decision on Twitter -- nearly all unfavorably.
Can’t believe this...
— Taylor Kelly (@Taylor_Kelly10) November 26, 2017
Can’t believe this. So wrong
— Jordan Simone (@JordanSimone38) November 26, 2017
Wow, I’m So Sick .
— Demario Richard . (@CodeBlackRich4) November 26, 2017
Wow...
— Aj Latu (@Aj_latu44) November 26, 2017
That's Craaazy
— Crump#️⃣4️⃣ (@Crumptrip4) November 26, 2017
On Saturday, USA TODAY's Dan Wolken reported Graham expected to be fired after Saturday's game against archrival Arizona. The Devils won that game 42-30, and Graham said after the game that he expected to return to ASU next season.
Wolken said ASU has already done research on potential replacements for Graham.
"Arizona State has done background work on candidates, and Texas A&M’s Kevin Sumlin is believed to be a high priority should he become available," Wolken wrote. "Anderson is also known to be intrigued by coaches with NFL ties, including Michigan passing game coordinator Pep Hamilton and Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason, a Phoenix native, is also someone Arizona State is expected to have some interest in should it decide to fire Graham."
