Pitt hires Tulsa's Graham as head coach

Todd Graham, after four successful seasons leading Tulsa, accepted the head coaching job at Pittsburgh on Monday.

"We are thrilled that Todd Graham has agreed to become the head football coach at the University of Pittsburgh," Pitt athletic director Steve Pederson said. "His innovative, creative and energized approach to football makes him an exciting leader for our program.

"He has a proven track record of success at all levels of football and his wealth of experience on both sides of the ball gives him a unique set of credentials," Pederson continued.

Graham's hiring follows a tumultuous month for the program since Dave Wannstedt's resignation on December 7.

Pittsburgh hired Michael Haywood away from Miami-Ohio, then fired him on New Year's Day after he was arrested on a domestic violence charge at his home.

Graham, 46, compiled a 36-17 record in his four years as Tulsa's head coach, returning to the team after leading Rice to a 7-6 season in 2006. Prior to that, Graham had been an assistant head coach with Tulsa for three years and a defensive coach at West Virginia for two.

Tulsa was 10-3 this past season.

"My family and I are honored to join such a prestigious university and rich football tradition like the University of Pittsburgh," said Graham. "Pittsburgh is a tremendous football city with great fans.

"We will work diligently every day to earn their respect and build a program that competes for and wins championships. I'm also excited to return to the Big East, a conference that plays tremendous football," Graham added.

Defensive coordinator Phil Bennett coached Pitt (8-5) to a 27-10 victory over Kentucky in Saturday's BBVA Compass Bowl.