This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Norm Chow, Utah's new offensive coordinator, doesn't know much about Utah quarterback Jordan Wynn or the coaches on Utah's staff, but he does know the Utes don't need a drastic overhaul of their offense.
"They were 10-3 last year so they must be pretty good," he said. "I don't think we need to come in and reinvent the wheel. Everybody can get better, right? But I don't think we need to change anything dramatically. I understand they have a nice quarterback and good offensive line."
Chow, who was named Utah's offensive coordinator Saturday, said his priorities are meeting with Utah's staff and some recruits in his area.
"I'm anxious to get going," he said. "It's almost like a dream to go back. I have a couple good buddies there and it's a fun idea, but you have to temper that enthusiasm and understand what we are getting into. It's not that the Mountain West isn't good, but the week in and week out of the Pac-10 is the challenge. We are excited, but we have to go to work."
Chow's hiring means new assignments for co-coordinators Aaron Roderick and Dave Schramm. Chow said the staff will be restructured after he arrives in Salt Lake City on Friday and meets with Utah coach Kyle Whittingham.
"We will sit down and do what is best for everybody," Chow said.
For now, Roderick is staying on staff as the receivers coach.
The 64-year-old Chow spent the past three years at UCLA, where the offense never reached the levels of his past success with the Bruins. The team averaged just 20 points for the three seasons. Chow was also an assistant at BYU for 27 years.
While disappointed the offense never got off the ground at UCLA, Chow is confident the Utes can have success with a few changes. The Utes averaged 45 points through the first eight games but just 11 points in the final five games.
"I want to do what Kyle wants," Chow said. "Utah has done some good things but maybe we go under center more. I do know he wants a better downhill run game. Playing some teams in this league, it's almost an NFL style. You stay close and try to get to the fourth quarter."
While some might believe there are hard feelings between Chow and UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel, Chow said that isn't the case and his departure was just part of football.
"Coaching is a crazy profession and you never know what tomorrow is going to bring," he said. "It's nuts now. I'm glad I'm on the top side and not the starting side. All the money and Internet has made it tough."
Chow, who had signed a two-year deal worth $1 million with the Bruins, said the details of his contract with the Utes are still being finalized but that he and Whittingham had discussed a two-year deal.
"I have the energy," he said of coaching. "I"ve never said, 'OK, this is the end.' If he wants us to stick around we'll see. Both my wife and I have our health, we are very blessed."
Twitter: @lyawodraska,@sltributes