[5] Graham stayed in Eugene after graduating from UO to be assistant coach at Marist Catholic High School for one season.

Graham left Louisville in 1982, the year he completed a master's degree in educational administration at Dayton.

[5] Graham returned to the University of Oregon to be assistant coach under Jim Haney for the 1982–83 season.

He led Western New Mexico to an 18–5 record during a season on probation by the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference and NAIA.

[5] Athletic director Gene Bleymaier hired Graham to be head coach at Boise State in 2002.

[9] For leading Boise State to the NCAA Tournament, the Western Athletic Conference named Graham "Coach of the Year" in 2008.