Chow Declines Kentucky Offer

USC received an early holiday gift on Tuesday when offensive coordinator Norm Chow turned down an offer to become head coach at Kentucky.

Chow told Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart that he would remain at USC, where he helped Coach Pete Carroll revive the program and tutored Carson Palmer to the Heisman Trophy.

“It was flattering, and the people at Kentucky handled everything in a first-class manner, but my family and I decided that USC was where we wanted to be,” Chow said by phone from his home in Provo, Utah. “I want to keep working with Pete Carroll and help us win a national championship.”

Chow, 56, was courted by Kentucky after Guy Morriss left to become coach at Baylor. Kentucky finished 7-5 this season but was not bowl-eligible because of NCAA sanctions. The Wildcats will be on probation for two more seasons with scholarship reductions.

Barnhart and other Kentucky representatives met with Chow in Los Angeles on Dec. 15 and stayed in contact by phone over the last week. Barnhart, who could not be reached for comment, had said that he wanted to have a coach in place by today.

Central Florida Coach Mike Kruczek, former Georgia coach Jim Donnan and South Carolina defensive coordinator Charlie Strong reportedly are the remaining candidates.

Carroll, who spoke to Barnhart on Chow’s behalf, said he was pleased that Chow decided to stay.

“It’s an excellent decision for us -- it keeps the continuity going,” Carroll said. “It’s a substantial statement about our program and Norm’s role in it.”

Chow was an assistant at Brigham Young for 27 seasons and at North Carolina State for one before he joined Carroll’s new staff before the 2001 season. Chow, who reportedly earns about $300,000, said USC representatives had not spoken to him about upgrading his contract. Carroll, however, indicated throughout the process that USC would take steps to keep Chow happy.

Chow was pursued by Utah, his alma mater, this month, but the school hired Urban Meyer, who coached at Bowling Green and came at a cheaper price.

Chow said he still has the desire to be a head coach but is happy to turn his undivided attention to preparing USC for its Jan. 2 Orange Bowl game against Iowa.

Carroll said the Trojans would benefit from the timing of Chow’s decision.

“It’s a little boost going into the week because otherwise it would have been a lot of distractions,” Carroll said.

Carroll, however, said he expects other schools to come calling on Chow in the future.

“He’s qualified and prepared to be a head coach,” Carroll said.

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Linebacker Oscar Lua had knee surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He is not expected to be ready for spring practice.... The Sporting News named Palmer its player of the year.... The Trojans are off today and will leave for Miami on Thursday.