Football: Todd Graham pays buyout

Former Pitt football coach Todd Graham paid Pitt a $1 million buyout to take the same position… Former Pitt football coach Todd Graham paid Pitt a $1 million buyout to take the same position at Arizona State that he had held as a member of the Panthers, Pitt Athletic Director Steve Pederson said on Wednesday.

Graham served as Pitt’s coach for one season before bolting for Arizona State in December. Pederson said he hasn’t talked to Graham or Arizona State’s athletic director since the former coachs departure.

Pederson said that in looking back at Graham’s sudden departure — Graham informed his team of his decision by way of a forwarded message — he feels badly for the players.

“It was in a lot of ways unfortunate for our players,” Pederson said. “I felt terrible they were thrust into that situation. I really admire the way Keith Patterson and some of the other coaches finished it up. We were able to find a terrific coach to come in here and take over.”

Patterson, who served as Pitt’s defensive coordinator this season, coached Pitt in the BBVA Compass Bowl before being named the defensive coordinator at Arkansas State.

Pitt hired former Wisconson offensive coordinator Paul Chryst to take over for Graham. Pederson said that Chryst has been well received by people who have met him.