A ‘Disappointed’ Chow Is Back on the Job

It was business as usual for Norm Chow Sunday evening, back on the practice field, but the USC offensive coordinator could not help reacting to news he had been passed over for the coaching job at Stanford.

“I’m disappointed,” he said.

Earlier in the day, Stanford confirmed it had hired the other leading candidate, Pittsburgh Coach Walt Harris.

There was considerable speculation that Chow would be selected after a daylong interview at the Northern California school last week.

The three-time assistant coach of the year has also been mentioned in connection with Brigham Young, where he spent 27 seasons. Chow said Sunday he has no interest in that job.

Asked if he foresaw prospects with any other programs, he said: “Hard to tell. Those jobs are awfully hard to come by.”

For Coach Pete Carroll, news of Stanford’s decision provoked various emotions. Harris recruited him to play football at Pacific in the early 1970s and the two have remained friends.

“They hired a great coach ... I’m happy for him,” Carroll said. “I’m disappointed for Norm because he’s so deserving.”

It has become an annual occurrence at USC, other schools expressing interest in Chow, and Carroll said he never takes for granted that his coordinator will return the following season.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if this happens again before we settle down in the spring,” he said.

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The backup quarterbacks at USC watched Saturday evening’s Heisman Trophy ceremony with particular interest.

Matt Cassel, a senior, smiled when asked about his new and unusual distinction: He has now played behind two Heisman winners. Cassel, the backup for Carson Palmer in 2002, watched Matt Leinart win the prestigious award this year.

“It was exciting,” he said. “He deserves it. He’s had a great season.”

John David Booty, a sophomore hoping to become the next Trojan quarterback when Leinart leaves, said he doesn’t feel any additional pressure.

“That’s no big deal. It’s just the excellence we have here at SC. I don’t ever worry about it.”

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With several key players missing because of injuries and awards ceremonies, reserves had a chance to work with the starting offense the last two days.

In addition to Cassel and Booty, tailbacks Hershel Dennis and Desmond Reed played more snaps because LenDale White was nursing a sprained ankle and Reggie Bush was in New York as one of the Heisman finalists. “It’s a real opportunity for those guys,” Carroll said.