Eric SorensonHollywood, CA — Right or wrong Arizona State head coach Todd Graham has always spoken his mind.
Don’t expect that to change.
Despite some pointed comments from Athletic Director Ray Anderson about Graham essentially talking less and delivering more and some media probes here at Pac-12 Media Day about him being a bit more subdued during his first availability the fifth-year coach doesn’t plan on changing his ways.
“I’m going to be genuine [to] who I am,” the usually outspoken Graham carefully explained Friday morning from the Ray Dolby Ball Room stage. “Part of my philosophy is my players watch this and they hear me. I believe in them. I try to tell people what I really think.”
Graham, coming off his only losing season (6-7) in Tempe, somewhat defiantly addressed Anderson’s comments.
“From the time you walk in our door…walk down the hallway our goals are written on the wall,” he said. “Obviously, we want to be Pac-12 champions and [our walls] says Rose Bowl champions and national champions. Why would you have any other goals?”
Can’t wait to see our team take the field! #Pac12Goals @tsmallwood54 representing our team today at #Pac12 media https://t.co/qQjdZd6yed
— Todd Graham (@CoachGrahamASU) July 15, 2016
He believes the base (a pair of 10-win seasons), a remodeled Sun Devil Stadium and an influx of talented recruits have the program, despite 2015’s speed bump, is trending in the right direction.
“I’m proud of what we’ve done in the four years I’ve been there and proud of the foundation we’ve laid.”
