Alabama football: Jay Graham says his mental health is reason behind resignation

Less than two months on the job at Alabama, tight ends coach Jay Graham has decided to resign and he explained the reasons behind stepping away from the job.

Alabama football underwent a handful of coaching changes to Nick Saban’s staff this winter. One of the big additions was tight ends coach Jay Graham coming over from Tennessee, but he has decided to resign from his post, citing mental health reasons.

Graham was expected to be a big help on the recruiting front for Saban and the Alabama football coaching staff, as well as developing the next great tight end from the Crimson Tide. However, he is leaving his post to seek professional help to address his mental health and spend time with his loved ones.

Graham released a statement via his personal Twitter account to address the speculation surrounding his job status and tell his truth.

Jay Graham explains his reasons behind his resignation from Alabama

"“I appreciate Coach Saban and the University of Alabama for their understanding and support during this difficult time.“The events of the last year have taken a toll on millions of people around the world, not only in lost loved ones or lost jobs but in the unprecedented anxieties and mental health.“I am taking time away from football to seek professional help immediately, gain a better understanding of mental health and spend time with loved ones. I hope to rebalance my life so that I am able to return to my passion of coaching and helping student-athletes pursue their dreams.“While mental health issues are not new, they are often difficult to discuss, especially for coaches/athletes. I hope my voice inspires others that may be struggling to seek help.“I would like to thank everyone for their support, grace and words of encouragement.”"

Everyone should be applauding Graham for taking the necessary steps to address his mental health and take action to getting healthy and in a better spot. Football is secondary to life, although that order can be reversed in some pockets of the country. Alabama football is life to many, but Crimson Tide fans should be supporting Graham in this time while he works on getting better.

If Graham gets the help he needs and is in a better spot to resume his duties as the Alabama football tight ends coach, perhaps he could rejoin Saban’s staff at a later date and time. But that’s not what’s most important right now. What’s important is supporting Graham while he seeks help to address his mental health.

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