Ex-Arizona State head coach Todd Graham rumored to join Patriots' staff

The 2018 NFL scouting combine came and went and with it plenty of new information on draft prospects. The seven-day event also gave a glimpse at what may lie ahead for the New England Patriots coaching staff. After NESN's Doug Kyed reported that former Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema was in Indianapolis as a representative of the Patriots, another ex-college head coach was spotted with the team.

According to Arizona Sports' Mike Jurecki, Todd Graham was with the team's staff and could go on to officially become a member of the club:

Former #ASU HC Todd Graham was spotted at the #NFLCombine with the #Patriots staff. The rumor is he could join the staff as a consultant.

After stints at Rice, Tulsa and Pittsburgh, Graham was named head coach at Arizona State in 2012. Overall, his teams went a combined 46–32 during his six years with the program and won two bowl games as well as a division championship within the Pac-12. However, after a 2017 campaign that ended with a 7-6 record and loss in the Sun Bowl, Graham's contract was not extended.

If the 53-year old does indeed join the Patriots, he would do so in a year of turnover: New England lost defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to become head coach of the Detroit Lions and the team has yet to officially announce a successor. With linebackers coach Brian Flores the frontrunner, the team might also be in need for someone to fill Flores' old spot as a position coach.

Having experienced personnel like Graham and the above-mentioned Bielema available could ultimately help soften the blow of Patricia's departure.