Purdue fires offensive coordinator Graham Harrell

Purdue fired offensive coordinator Graham Harrell on Sunday as the team struggled to score points against FBS competition.

Harrell, a record-breaking quarterback for Texas Tech under Mike Leach, was the first major personnel hire for Boilermakers coach Ryan Walters in 2022. They pursued and eventually brought in transfer quarterback Hudson Card, and Purdue scored 49 points and 35 points in wins over Minnesota . and Indiana late last season.

But after opening with 49 points against Indiana State, an FCS program, Purdue has scored just 38 total points in losses to Notre Dame, Oregon State and Nebraska. The Boilermakers didn’t reach the end zone until 1:29 remained in Saturday’s 28-10 home loss to Nebraska.

“These types of decisions are never easy,” Walters said in a statement. “After evaluating our start to the season, I felt it was best for our team to make a change now. We appreciate Graham’s contributions to our program and wish him the best for the future.”

Walters did not immediately announce who will handle offensive play calling and coaching the quarterbacks.

Harrell, 39, came to Purdue with previous experience as a coordinator at West Virginia, USC and North Texas. Harrell is Purdue’s highest-paid assistant and was set to make $950,000 this season as well as $1 million in 2025. Harrell played one season in the CFL and spent 2010 to 2012 with the Green Bay Packers.

Purdue (1-3) visits Wisconsin on Saturday.