This is rare territory for Todd Graham. For the first time in 40 years, dating back to his time as a player, the former Arizona State coach is not preparing for a football season.
During a recent conversation, Graham described it as difficult, strange and yet at times, exhilarating. Coaches always talk about "family first" but that's usually not reality, he said. Since his dismissal from ASU in December, Graham has gotten to reconnect, and in some ways that's brought about a peace.
But it hasn't changed his goal.
"I believe I was born to run programs and to make a difference in kids’ lives, so I’m planning to do that," Graham told azcentral sports.