The strange tale of how Pittsburgh Panthers coach Todd Graham became Arizona St. Sun Devils coach Todd Graham is only becoming stranger with each new detail.
ESPN's Joe Schad is reporting that Graham asked permission from Pitt AD Steve Pederson to speak with Arizona State about their vacancy. Pederson told Graham he was not allowed to speak with them and he promptly resigned three hours later so that he could take the job.
Of course, if this timing is true, that raises a few questions. Clearly, this move has been in the works for at least a little bit of time. The chances that Graham asked permission, got denied, then spoke to ASU and took the job seems unlikely. Schad has also reported that "Pittsburgh is waiting to hear back from ASU," likely on this issue.
For more Graham's hiring from the Sun Devil perspective, head to House of Sparky; for more from the Panthers' side, visit Cardiac Hill. For more on the 2011 college football coaching carousel, check out our dedicated section.