TULSA, Okla. (AP) -Tulsa coach Todd Graham has agreed to a new 10-year contract that could keep him with the Golden Hurricane through the 2018 season.
“This sends a message to our recruits and the football community that there’s great stability at the University of Tulsa,” Graham told the Tulsa World after practice Wednesday in Mobile, Ala.
Graham’s extension comes only two days after offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn left Tulsa to take the same position at Auburn.
“There’s a buyout clause, but we don’t get into those terms too specifically,” athletic director Bubba Cunningham said in a story on the newspaper’s Web site. “We think it’s a good long-term deal for Todd. We think it’s a good long-term deal for the university.”
Graham has coached Tulsa to its first back-to-back 10-win seasons in school history. The Golden Hurricane (10-3) will face Ball State (12-1) in the GMAC Bowl on Tuesday.
Cunningham said the extension shows Tulsa’s long-term commitment to Graham.
makes you feel good? What would entice you to stay here and not look over your shoulder every 20 minutes? That became a number that was comfortable for both of us.”
Graham agreed to a six-year extension at Rice in January 2007, but was introduced as Tulsa’s coach a mere three days later.
“There were a lot of mistruths about that deal,” Graham said. “Having the opportunity to come home here was a no-brainer for me.”
Graham was Tulsa’s defensive coordinator under Steve Kragthorpe for three seasons before his one season as Rice’s coach. He has led the Golden Hurricane to back-to-back Conference USA West titles, losing in the league title game both years.
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