Norm Chow Expected to Boost Bruin Offense, Recruiting Prowess
orm Chow's move to UCLA as offensive coordinator is expected to boost not only the quality of the Bruin's offense but also its ability to attract top quarterback prospects, boosting its standing in its crosstown rivalry with the USC Trojans.
Chow had interviewed for the Bruin's head coach position in late November 2007. On December 29 that job was given to Rick Neuheisel who had been offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. However, Chow's reputation for turning good quarterbacks into great ones is expected to be a big draw for talented prospects considering UCLA as a college option.
Chow was offensive coordinator for the Tenessee Titans from 2005 where he is credited with helping Vince Young make a successful transition from college to the NFL in his rookie year. Chow had two years remaining on his $1 million a year contract when he was fired by the Titans on January 15, 2008 for the team's lack of scoring success though the Titans reached the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
Before joining the Titans Chow was USC's offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004, guiding it to a national championship in 2005. He is credited with developing Carson Palmer and Matt Leinert into Heisman Trophy Winners and helping the Trojans win two national titles. Chow coached other standout quarterbacks Steve Young, Jim McMahon, Marc Wilson, Gifford Nielsen, Ty Detmer and Robbie Bosco, 6 of the NCAA's top 16 career passing efficiency leaders. Chow worked coaching offense on teams that hold 16 of the NCAA's top 30 single season passing yardage totals.
Norm Chow, 61, began his football career as an offensive lineman at the University of Utah. He played briefly in the Canadian football league before suffering a serious leg injury that forced him to retire from playing.
Chow went on to earn a masters degree and a PHD at BYU. He became an assistant coach there in 1977. During the next 27 years he worked with players in every offensive position, developing what would prove to be a clear and effective philosophy. After two years at North Carolina State, Chow was hired as the offensive coordinator at USC in 2001.
Wed January 23, 2008 15:47 PST
Goldsea Staff
Norm Chow is shown during a Tennessee Titans training camp on Aug. 1, 2007 in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans fired Chow from his position as offensive coordinator on Jan. 15, 2008 after a season of struggling to score points although the team reached the playoffs for the first time since 2003.
(AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
orm Chow's move to UCLA as offensive coordinator is expected to boost not only the quality of the Bruin's offense but also its ability to attract top quarterback prospects, boosting its standing in its crosstown rivalry with the USC Trojans.
