Titans fire Norm Chow

by MbahABako on Jan 15, 2008 11:33 AM PST Comment 32 comments

Bumped. I still think Chow to UCLA is a long shot and would a monumental coup for CNR if it were to come true. That said, before this news came out today, there were two relevant datapoints: 1) per Dohn CRN was still looking to talk to Chow and 2) Hawaii was leaning towards retaining its current DC as their new HC. Who knows what will happen now? Maybe Hawaii will go after Chow? And it looks like now CRN may have a chance to get Chow's attention and bring him home. GO BRUINS. -N

Just saw this come up on the WWL's website. Here's the relevant parts:

The Tennessee Titans fired offensive coordinator Norm Chow after three seasons with the team, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported Tuesday.

The Titans finished the regular season 10-6 and suffered a 17-6 loss to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the playoffs. They finished 10th in the AFC in total yards.

Chow, who was previously the offensive coordinator at USC, was interviewed for UCLA's head coach opening in December but withdrew his name from consideration. The Bruins went on to hire Rick Neuheisel.

Any chance this is a precursor to CRN bringing Chow back into the fold for the Bruins? I think that we could very well be looking at a coup in picking up Chow, who has to have somewhat limited options after the playoff loss by Tennessee. If I remember correctly, it was Chow who withdrew his name from the coaching search, and not that he was eliminated by the UCLA administration, correct? If that is the case, then there is the definite potential that the door may be open for him if he wants a spot on CRN's staff.

UPDATE: -N. As Menelaus pointed out in the comments, apparently Chow didn't even apply for the Hawaii job. I guess the question is, will he apply now, or would a high profile job as OC where he would get a direct opportunity to stick to Pom Pom loom as a more attractive option?

UPDATE II: -M. Per Dohn, Chow didn't see this coming, and Neuheisel has been putting together a package to entice him to come to UCLA. Sounds good to me.

UCLA's chances of landing Norm Chow as its offensive coordinator appeared to increase dramatically Tuesday when he was fired as the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator.

Chow, who was considered the mastermind behind USC's explosive offenses during the Carson Palmer and Reggie Bush days, is high on the radar of new UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, but the two had not spoken as of Monday, according to sources.

Chow's salary with the Titans was $1 million. Neuheisel was putting together a package to try and entice Chow to return to Southern Califorinia, where Chow still owns a house.

UPDATE III: -M. To his credit (and I wasn't giving him much during the Walker-a-thon last month), Dohn has been on top of this. And he makes an intriguing point about money potentially not being an issue with Chow: Money may not be an issue when it comes to whether or not UCLA hires Norm Chow as the offensive coordinator. I'm told by several sources Chow still has two years remaining on his contract with the Tennessee Titans, at $1 million per, and any money he makes in the next two years would be subtracted from that total.

In other words, no matter how much UCLA or another school pays him, he is guaranteed $1 million the next two years.

GO BRUINS.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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beat me to it

I think hiring Chow will indeed be a great coup. Chow gets to come back to LA and does what suits him the best, which is coaching young QBs and figuring out the Xs and Os for the college game.

Seriously, Norm, wouldn't you want to come back to personally stomp on the Cheaty Petey's smirk?!

by HK Bruin on Jan 15, 2008 11:41 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Chow

Very interesting indeed. It's also worth noting that Chow apparently didn't put his hat in the ring for the Hawaii job:

Norm Chow, offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, did not apply for the vacant head coaching job.

Also, here is the latest from Dohn on Chow:

One thing I continually hear as I check around about what is going on with UCLA's offensive coordinator position is that Rick Neuheisel does not want to make a hire until he speaks with Norm Chow. According to sources, the delay stemmed from UCLA asking the Tennessee Titans again for permission to speak with Chow, and that permission was finally granted.
However, as of Monday, I was told Neuheisel and Chow were yet to speak. Also, I'm told Neuheisel is leaving the state recruiting today.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall for that conversation.

Finally, by the way, I added the blockquote. Click "Edit Story" to see the changes I made for next time.

by Menelaus on Jan 15, 2008 11:42 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

The timing is interesting

Not for a second did I think Chow would get FIRED from the anemic Flaming Thumbtacks (thanks TMQ)--look at that offensive roster!

Whether Chow lands in LA or not...the timing is borderline amazing.

by bruinhopeful on Jan 15, 2008 11:44 AM PST reply actions 0 recs

Chow WAS a long shot

before being fired from the Titans, now I think he is very much in play.

Rick needs to give him the full court press RIGHT NOW. Chow won't stay unemployed for long.

This may be the best news we've heard since RN was hired.

by godblesstyus95 on Jan 15, 2008 12:17 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

From what I heard about Hawaii

They have their eyes set on someone already (I forget who).

A couple of weeks ago, a few people mentioned that one of the reasons Chow is a long shot is because he is close to collecting a pension from the NFL. Is that still in play?

by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 15, 2008 12:35 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Hawaii's DC Greg McMackin

is considered the leading candidate for the HC job at UH. He has June Jones' endorsement as well as the support of the UH boosters, assistant coaches, and players. For a program facing a lot of instability over the last few weeks, hiring one of its own would be a good move.

Norm Chow would be a steal for us, but I'm not sure how likely he'd be to return as a college OC. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

by hspigskinfan on Jan 15, 2008 12:59 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Sweeeeet

Show Chow the money Coach Rick!!!

by bluestreet on Jan 15, 2008 12:42 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Benedict Arnold

Norton turns down UCLA. -LAT
Who cares...

by brewinz on Jan 15, 2008 1:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

URL?

Be nice if you included a link on that story.

by whp68 on Jan 15, 2008 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Check in the diaries

I've got a link to the article there.

by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 15, 2008 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Check

bruinbabe's diary.

And by the way the story just reports that Norton decided to stay at UCLA. It doesn't have any info. about Norton "turning down" UCLA. For Norton to turn down something there would have to be an offer. And there is no evidence of any official offer being extended to Norton from CRN/UCLA.

by bluestreet on Jan 15, 2008 2:18 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Here it is.

..over here.

Looks as though Petey-babes got to him (emphasis added):

I'm flattered. They'll always be a team in my heart," said Norton, an All-American linebacker for the Bruins in 1987 who played 13 seasons in the NFL. "I feel real good about Rick Neuheisel and what he's going to do there.

"The timing just wasn't right. I'm really appreciative of what Pete Carroll has done for me over here, and my business is not finished."

Norton has coached four seasons at USC.

Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who is draft eligible, said Monday that if Norton had not assured him he would remain at USC, he probably would have turned pro.

"I can't see myself being coached by anybody else," Maualuga said.

by whp68 on Jan 15, 2008 2:23 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

In some fairness

In the past couple of weeks, some people mentioned that Pom Pom and Norton go back to his days with the 49ers when Pom Pom was an assistant, so that was before they both sold their souls to the devil.

But to quote Obi-Wan Kenobi, "Who is the bigger fool, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"

by bruinbabe2000 on Jan 15, 2008 2:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Wowzers.

OK, no way under heaven we're going to offer Chow $1 million to be our OC. No way. Not going to happen.

That being said, Walker is making, what, $375K? $400K, maximum?

Unless boosters start chipping in like crazy, I don't see HOW we can offer Chow more than $400-425K and still be able to afford, well, EVERYONE ELSE we need on staff.

If we get the cash, though -- HOOOOLY SHOOT.

I believe Bruin Roar had a picture of entitled "The Dream Team" with CRN, DW, and Chow.

Might be time to pull that pic out of virtual mothballs.

Rick, DW, and Chow.

Shoot, that'd be like something out of Star Trek:

Rick Neuheisel as Captain Kirk: Blond-haired, blue-eyed, charismatic leader, with the smooth-talking ways and aggressive attitude taking him to early career advancement.

Norm Chow as Mr. Spock: Brilliant mind, combined with a reserved, dignified personality.

DeWayne Walker as Dr. McCoy: Cranky and emotional at times, but tough and professional, and with some old-pro common sense.

MIM

"Because I'm tired of it. Year after year after year after year having to choose between the lesser of 'Who cares?'"

by Meriones on Jan 15, 2008 1:15 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Star Trek?

Spot on analogy.

Especially Chow as Spock.

by bhbruin on Jan 15, 2008 1:56 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

HAHAHA!!!

That is priceless!
Walker: Dammit Norm, your offense is scoring too fast! My defense needs rest!
Chow: It is illogical that you would not desire my offense to score.
CRN: Can't you guys...(pause)just get along?
Pom Pom: Rrrrrrrrrrrick, I will bury you ALIVE!
Red Shirt: (attacked by plant...dies)

by bruin8uclap on Jan 15, 2008 6:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Chow... really????

Does anyone think that this would be a step backward for Chow?? From USC to the NFL back to UCLA. Doesn't seem like an ideal career path. I'm just not a believer. Sure he had great success at SUC, but it's hard to believe any OC could fail with the talent they had? How long can this guy continue to accept Asst Coaching jobs? If he is such an "Offensive Genius", someone is bound to take a risk on him as a HC. I gotta think he is going to hold out. Plus, even though he technically, withdrew his name from consideration for our HC job, it seems difficult to fathom that he could come in here and work for the guy who he got passed over for. Regardless of how much $ we can offer, I just don't think he makes the move, and frankly I'm not convinced he is the best guy for the job. Just MHO.

by Bald Eagle on Jan 15, 2008 1:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Don't forget

Chow did have Carson but he built that initial team with Fargas & Mike Williams. Stars don't mean much to me but Mike Williams was a 3 star recruit. Just look at the BYU teams and how explosive they were with their lack of BCS talent.

Chow's bread and butter is QB's. Look at all the QB's he's developed. Chow also knows how to maximize what he has and put them in positions to succeed. Something our previous staff neglected to do.

Would be a homerun get but not holding my breath. As note, where are we going to get the $$$? The 1.8 million has been depleted quite substantially.

by BlueReign on Jan 15, 2008 2:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Oops

Money is no longer an issue per Dohn. That is nice to hear.

The question then becomes, how messy was the PC/Chow divorce? Does Chow have enough distaste for PC that he would come to UCLA to stick it to PC? If so, would he even come at a discount (not too drastic) rate to allow CRN to go and get additional coaching talent? How satisfying would it be to topple the THUG-LIFE empire of Troy? Priceless.

by BlueReign on Jan 15, 2008 2:15 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

First of all,

when did coaching an NCAA team become less prestigious than coaching a professional? Is John Wooden any less of a coach than Red Auerbach? Don't think so.

The reason I say this is because some people have stated that Chow coming back to the college game from the NFL seems like a "backwards" step. Sure, he would be coming back as an OC, but he'd be coming back to a place where he's had TREMENDOUS success: The Pac-10. Clearly, that success has not translated to the NFL for him. That alone might entice him to come back to the college game.

Would that make him less of an OC, no, not all. Professional sports and collegiate sports are very different (particular wrt football). It is rare to see coaches succeed in both. Perhaps the only way it is a "step back" for Chow is wrt to money. At this point in his career, Chow may very well have came to terms that he will never get a chance to coach a team. And, IF this IS the case, then the only thing that would matter is the money. Therefore, if we show him the money, he might come.

Show him the money Rick! Show him the money!

by OutOThsWrld on Jan 15, 2008 2:09 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

I hope this happens

I think the firing definitely removes one stumbling block. Would PC up and offer him his former position? He might if at least so he doen's take ours. Would Chow accept it? Don't know. We have all heard of their acrimonious split, but the Second Choicers over at Conquest Chronicles swear it is largely exxagerated and they remain close friends.

All I know is that the man just got fired, and we are going to offer him the opportunity to work 20 minutes from home, and coach in the most historic football stadium in the country.

If I were him, what's not to like? Of course, I am biased.

PS I would have loved getting him back.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Jan 15, 2008 2:46 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Chow fallout

What exactly are the details regarding the fallout between Pete and Chow? I can't seem to find anything on the internet about this.

by jstsmgyus on Jan 15, 2008 3:08 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Details are vague.

It has come up from time to time in the MSM. Most Trojans admit it long enough to deny it or down play it. But outside of "Norm Chow left USC unhappy." Or "Norm Chow and Pete Carroll did not leave on good terms." It's anybody's guess what actually happened or was said behind closed doors.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Jan 15, 2008 9:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

NC and "backward step"

If we accept the fact that NC wants to return to the area, and that RN looks like he will be in place for an extended period of time, then I would contend that NC will not be bothered a bit by "stepping back" or whatever younger folks might think. At his stage, he wants a good 5-7 year job, he knows the ins and outs of OC, and then he may end up volunteering at a local high school after that.
Bill

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Jan 15, 2008 4:01 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

A Mature Voice

As we join the geezer generation we gain a better prespective on what's important and what motivates individuals in the working world. Climbing the corporate ladder, or in this case, achiving the next rung in your choosen career, becomes less and less important to most as they gain financial security or get closer to retirement. Chow will get $2 million from the Titans over the next two years, if he takes another job or not. I think he is around 60 years old. I doubt that he will make his next career decision based on compensation. I have to believe he works now because he wants to, not becuase he has to. Since I don't know him it is impossible to guage if ego will play a role in his decision. If his dreams of being a head coach are still alive, he might hold out for an HC position somewhere. If he has a grudge to settle with $c, then the Bruins might look good to him. Or, as you say Bill, maybe he would like to work with kids at a local High School. All should become clear in the next few days.

by Bruin77 on Jan 15, 2008 5:08 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

BAGG

The Bruins Alumni Geezer Generation.

I'm one. Do we get Senior Discount, as well as early-bird dinner prices?

by Bruinut on Jan 15, 2008 5:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Blue haired specials

My vote is for NC to come to UCLA, work 5 years, and then do the volunteer work, if that suits his fancy. At that time, he will have trained a young assistant to take over his job, and he goes. The only hooker here is if he has an NFL pension pending with another two year stint somewhere. If he wants that, then all bets are off.
Bill

BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Jan 15, 2008 6:06 PM PST reply actions 0 recs

Not sure about training an assistant

That doesn't seem to have worked so well in his previous prolonged stints. Sarkisian hasn't been too great, and hasn't shown any of Chow's ridiculous skill in developing QBs. AFAIK, same thing goes with BYU, except that they were even less successful after his departure, given their lack of supreme talent.

Neuheisel could surely take over afterwards, or someone else he had worked with. He was an OC himself, before getting his HC jobs.

by jaffa on Jan 15, 2008 6:33 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Re: Byu - Not sure that's true

I thought they had a very good season soon after he lef, when Gary Crowton was the head coach.

by SuperBruinMan on Jan 15, 2008 7:35 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

Ok

BYU had a good year in 2001, Crowton's first year, falling off in later years.

I don't know the full details of BYU's coaching staff back then, but I would not attribute Crowton's initial success to either Chow's tutelege or possible Chow students. Crowton only worked with Chow for one year, as a graduate assistant in 1982, so I doubt he learned much there. I also doubt Chow students led to success under Crowton - he was coming from the OC job with the Bears, and had already been a HC himself, at Louisiana Tech. I would guess that Crowton brought in his own people, especially since Crowton now runs a spread-type offense, not the more pro-set offense favored by Chow. Also, there was a year between Chow leaving (acrimoniously we've been told) and Crowton's hiring. Presumably any Chow desciples would have already left. Also, Crowton's success came with the last of the Chow-coached QBs at BYU, Brandon Doman.

BYU did have some success after Chow left. But I would be extremely hesitant to give credit for that to Chow for developing good assistants.

by jaffa on Jan 15, 2008 11:09 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs

This would be awesome

I realize Chow could command a big salary, but since he's also the kind of guy who could get a job anywhere he wants, would he want to work at UCLA?

If he has a score to settle with U$C or is the kind of coach who would enjoy taking UCLA or another team that has performed below its potential he might want to go Westwood for personal reasons.

Besides, UCLA has gotten a lot of good press in the last few weeks simply by hiring RN. Making another big splash by hiring Chow would go along way for recruiting and convincing the football world that UCLA wants to have a top-tier program.

by FreewayBruin03 on Jan 15, 2008 6:39 PM PST reply actions 0 recs