Despite a report from USA TODAY on Saturday, Todd Graham said he expects to return as the Arizona State Sun Devils' head football coach next season.
USA TODAY's Dan Wolken reported that Graham "believes he will be fired" after Saturday's game against the Arizona Wildcats. Graham wasn't asked about that report directly after ASU defeated the Wildcats, but he was asked whether he expects to return for a seventh season at the ASU helm.
"Yes, I do. I think we're making progress where we need to be," Graham said. "But tonight's about these seniors and the Territorial Cup, and about winning this last game for these seniors."
Todd Graham says he expects to be back at ASU next season. #territorialcup pic.twitter.com/PuMh03FnM3
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleABC15) November 26, 2017
Graham noted the progress the Sun Devils made during the 2017 season, including a second-place finish in the Pac-12 South despite being picked by most expects to finish last or second-to-last in the division this season.
ASU's players didn't address the Graham rumors after the game, but senior running back Demario Richard backed up his coach.
"He’s changed this program around," Richard said. "I wouldn’t hire nobody else."
Graham is nearing the end of his sixth season as ASU head coach. He has 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 UA following Saturday's 42-30 win at Sun Devil Stadium.
