Graham Harrell, the current offensive coordinator for the Purdue Boilermakers, brings nearly two decades of experience in football both as a player and coach.
He joined Purdue in December 2022 and now also serves as the quarterbacks coach. During his tenure, he has worked with innovative offensive minds like the late Mike Leach and Dana Holgorsen, which has significantly shaped his coaching philosophy.
Harrell’s background is impressive, having played for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2004 to 2008 before transferring his skills to the professional level in the Canadian and National Football Leagues. His longest tenure as a player was with the Green Bay Packers.
At Purdue, he effectively mentored quarterback Hudson Card, leading him to rank third in passing yards per game with 2,534 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Under Harrell’s leadership, Purdue’s offensive strategies have seen noticeable improvements. The team ranked No. 17 in the nation for passing yards per game and No. 24 in total offense with 443.9 yards on average. Harrell’s emphasis on a high-powered offense has made Purdue a formidable team in college football, making him a notable figure in the sport.
To learn more about his role and impact, visit the official Purdue Boilermakers page.
Who Is Graham Harrell?
Graham Harrell is an accomplished football coach and former quarterback, known for his leadership skills and impressive career both on and off the field. He is currently the offensive coordinator at Purdue University, where he also serves as the quarterbacks coach.
Where Did Graham Harrell Grow Up?
Graham Harrell grew up in Ennis, Texas. Ennis is a small town known for its close-knit community and strong support for local sports.
Harrell’s father, Sam Harrell, was a high school football coach, which significantly influenced Graham’s early involvement in the sport.
From a young age, Graham was surrounded by football, learning the game through his father’s teams and developing a passion for it that would define his future career.
Where Did Graham Harrell Play College Football?
Graham Harrell attended Texas Tech University, where he played college football from 2004 to 2008. During his time at Texas Tech, Harrell was a record-setting quarterback under the guidance of coach Mike Leach.
He was known for his strong arm and ability to read defenses, which helped him break several NCAA records. In 2008, he was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
Where Does Graham Harrell Live?
Graham Harrell currently resides in West Lafayette, Indiana, where Purdue University is located. West Lafayette offers a community filled with academic and sporting activities, making it an ideal place for Harrell as he focuses on his coaching responsibilities at Purdue.
His move to Indiana came after his appointment as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Purdue Boilermakers.
Who Is Graham Harrell Married To?
Graham Harrell is married to Brittney Lynn Harrell. The couple has been together since his early playing days and has shared various life experiences, including his time in the Canadian Football League and the NFL.
Brittney is often seen supporting Graham at games and events, demonstrating a strong partnership both on and off the field. They are raising their family in West Lafayette.
Graham Harrell’s Professional Career
Graham Harrell has a diverse background that spans both playing and coaching, making him a notable figure in college football. His career includes experience in the CFL, NFL, and several college teams, culminating in his current role at Purdue.
What Teams Has Graham Harrell Previously Coached For?
Graham Harrell began his coaching career at Washington State as an offensive quality control coach in 2014. He quickly moved to North Texas, where he served as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2016 to 2018.
During his tenure, Harrell significantly improved the team’s offensive performance, with North Texas achieving impressive passing yards and total offense stats.
Harrell then transitioned to USC, where he became the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2019 to 2021.
Under his guidance, USC’s offense saw significant boosts in points per game and passing efficiency. His offensive strategies were influenced by the late Mike Leach, a proponent of the Air Raid offense, which Harrell successfully implemented.
What Team Is Graham Harrell Currently Coaching For?
As of now, Graham Harrell is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Purdue Boilermakers. He joined Purdue in December 2022 and is working to revamp their offensive strategies.
Harrell collaborates closely with Purdue’s head coach, Ryan Walters, focusing on enhancing the team’s offensive output. His role at Purdue includes not just play-calling but also mentoring the quarterbacks and refining the passing game.
Harrell’s experience and innovative offensive strategies are expected to boost Purdue’s performance in the Big Ten.
You can find more details about his current role on Purdue’s official site.
Does Graham Harrell Want to Coach in the NFL?
Graham Harrell has played in the NFL with teams like the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets from 2009 to 2013. His experience as a player has sparked interest in coaching at the professional level.
While he has not publicly expressed a definitive desire to coach in the NFL, his extensive background in the league adds a layer of credibility to his coaching skills.
Given his coaching successes at the college level, he may consider opportunities in the NFL if they align with his career goals.
What Are Graham Harrell’s Future Prospects?
Graham Harrell’s future in coaching looks promising. His ability to transform offensive units and improve passing efficiency makes him a valuable asset.
Potential avenues for Harrell include advancing within the collegiate ranks or stepping into the NFL, depending on available opportunities.
His reputation as an offensive mastermind and his affiliation with prominent programs like Texas Tech, North Texas, and USC add to his attractiveness as a coaching candidate.
He remains a watchful name for any program looking to bolster their offensive strategies.
Graham Harrell’s Major Achievements And Awards
Graham Harrell has numerous achievements to his name. During his playing career at Texas Tech, he was known for his remarkable passing yards and touchdown passes. He set multiple records and received accolades such as being named to All-American teams and winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.
As a coach, Harrell has been instrumental in developing top-tier quarterbacks and enhancing offensive performance.
His implementation of the Air Raid offense has led to notable improvements in points per game and overall offensive stats.
His innovative strategies consistently earn him accolades and recognition within the coaching community. Check out his profile on Wikipedia for a detailed list of his achievements.
Similar Coaches To Graham Harrell
Similar coaches to Graham Harrell include Mike Leach, Dana Holgorsen, and Clay Helton. These coaches share a background in the Air Raid offense and have significantly influenced Harrell’s coaching philosophy.
Mike Leach, known for pioneering the Air Raid offense, directly impacted Harrell during their time at Texas Tech. Dana Holgorsen and Clay Helton also contributed to Harrell’s development as an offensive strategist.
Each of these coaches has made strides in enhancing college football’s offensive game, akin to Harrell’s contributions at Purdue.
How Does Graham Harrell Do With NIL And Transfer Portal?
Graham Harrell’s impact on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the Transfer Portal has been significant, shaping Purdue’s football strategy and player recruitment. Harrell’s experience and strategic decisions have drawn notable players to the program.
Graham Harrell And Transfer Portal
Harrell has capitalized on the transfer portal to enhance Purdue’s roster. Under his leadership, the team successfully recruited quarterback Hudson Card from the transfer portal, significantly boosting the team’s offensive capabilities.
Card isn’t the only notable transfer; Harrell’s presence has also attracted high-profile talent like Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Deion Burks.
His ability to draw skilled players is partly due to his previous success with quarterbacks at other programs, such as Mason Fine and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Harrell’s approach gives Purdue an edge, as the use of the transfer portal allows quick adjustments to the roster.
This strategy is especially important in maintaining competitiveness within college football, where experienced and talented players can make an immediate impact.
Graham Harrell And NIL Money
Harrell’s role at Purdue extends to navigating the changes brought by NIL money, which allows college athletes to earn from their name, image, and likeness. This shift has altered the landscape of college football by influencing recruitment and retention strategies.
Harrell understands the importance of NIL in appealing to talent.
His ties with successful players like Drake London, Michael Pittman Jr., and Kelvin Smith underscore his ability to guide players to maximize their NIL opportunities.
At Purdue, players like Devin Mockobee and Rico Bussey Jr. benefit from this new avenue of revenue.
Harrell’s experience allows him to advise players on how to leverage their brand, making Purdue an attractive destination for recruits who want to capitalize on NIL deals.
With the school’s support, Harrell’s involvement in NIL strategies helps secure top talent keen to make the most of their collegiate careers.
How Much Is Graham Harrell’s Contract For?
Graham Harrell’s contract details at Purdue University highlight his valuable role in the football program. Specific figures include his annual salary and potential incentives.
How Much Does Graham Harrell Make In Salary Per Year?
Graham Harrell was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Purdue Boilermakers in December 2022. According to reports, his salary structure is set to increase over the next few years.
In 2023, he earns $900,000. In 2024, this amount will rise to $950,000. By 2025, Harrell’s salary will reach $1 million per year. This makes him the highest-paid assistant coach in the school’s history.
Such a salary reflects his extensive experience and the significant expectations placed on him to enhance Purdue’s offensive strategies.
How Much Does Graham Harrell Make In Incentives Per Year?
While the exact details of Graham Harrell’s incentives aren’t widely publicized, it is common for college football coaches to have performance-based bonuses.
These incentives can include bonuses for team performance, bowl game appearances, and other achievements.
Given his salary, it’s likely that Harrell’s contract includes similar clauses.
These incentives can significantly increase his earnings based on how well the team performs under his guidance. For a coach of Harrell’s caliber, these bonuses can be substantial, adding significant value to his overall compensation package.
What Is Graham Harrell’s Net Worth?
Graham Harrell, who is serving as the offensive coordinator for the Purdue Boilermakers, has seen a significant increase in his earnings over the years. His compensation reflects his experience and success in college football coaching.
For the 2023 season, Harrell’s salary at Purdue is $900,000. This will increase to $950,000 in 2024. By 2025, his salary is expected to reach $1 million, making him the highest-paid assistant coach in Purdue’s history. This pay trajectory shows his growing reputation in the field.
Beyond his salary, Harrell has likely accumulated wealth from his previous roles. He played in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL) before transitioning to a coaching career. His coaching stints have included positions with Texas Tech and USC.
Key Salary Milestones
| Year | Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $900,000 |
| 2024 | $950,000 |
| 2025 | $1,000,000 |
Graham Harrell’s financial success is not just tied to his current role.
His background includes playing and coaching in environments where he worked with innovative offensive minds like Mike Leach. This has boosted his credentials and income.
His net worth is a combination of his salaries from coaching, his playing career, and any endorsements or speaking engagements.
Although exact figures for his total net worth are not publicly disclosed, his new salary milestones give a clear picture of his financial trajectory.
For more detailed salary information, refer to the Purdue Boilermakers news.