Syracuse Fires Pasqualoni; Chow on List?

Syracuse Athletic Director Daryl Gross, who has been on the job less than two weeks, fired Paul Pasqualoni as coach Wednesday, leading to speculation that USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow might become coach of the Orange.

Gross, who left USC to replace the retiring Jake Crouthamel, cited several factors for his decision, including declining attendance and the team’s inconsistent play.

“Obviously, there has been some success here, but as of late it hasn’t been on a consistent basis,” Gross said.

Chow, in Miami preparing for the top-ranked Trojans’ Orange Bowl game against No. 2 Oklahoma, said he had not spoken to Gross about the opening.

Asked Wednesday night if he would be interested, Chow said, “I have no idea. None whatsoever. I’m trying to get ready for a game.”

Chow said he heard a news report that Gross was looking for a candidate with college and pro coaching experience. Chow has not coached on the professional level.

Chow joined USC’s staff in January 2001, a month after Pete Carroll was hired to replace Paul Hackett. Chow said he had a good relationship with Gross, who was a senior associate athletic director at USC.

“He hired me, he gave me a good contract and I consider him a good friend,” Chow said.

Last week, upon his return from the Champs Sports Bowl in Orlando, Fla., Gross attended an athletic department holiday party in Heritage Hall.

“Hey Norm, you coming with me?” Gross joked as Chow walked by.

Pasqualoni departs after 14 years with a 107-59-1 record and a 6-3 mark in bowl games. He is the second-winningest coach in team history, behind Ben Schwartzwalder, who had 153 victories.

But the Orange struggled to break even after going 10-3 and finishing ranked No. 14 in 2001. They were 4-8 in 2002, Pasqualoni’s only losing season, and 6-6 the last two years.

Syracuse began the season with a 51-0 loss at Purdue. Pasqualoni’s final game was a 51-14 loss to Georgia Tech in the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 21.

Syracuse averaged just over 37,000 in attendance this season, about three-quarters of capacity in the 49,000-seat Carrier Dome.

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Arkansas Coach Houston Nutt withdrew from consideration for the coaching vacancy at Louisiana State.

Athletic Director Frank Broyles had granted LSU’s request for permission to contact Nutt.

“I spoke briefly with LSU officials about the situation. At this time, I am very happy at the University of Arkansas,” Nutt said.

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Alabama expects standout offensive tackle Wesley Britt to play in Friday’s Music City Bowl against Minnesota. He has been slowed because of a foot sprain. But the Crimson Tide could be without tailback Kenneth Darby, who has a pulled abdominal muscle.

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The Times-Picayune of New Orleans reported that Southeastern Louisiana Coach Hal Mumme will become coach at New Mexico State. Mumme, who was Kentucky’s coach for four seasons, resigned that post in February 2001 amid an NCAA investigation that uncovered recruiting violations.

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Times staff writer Gary Klein contributed to this report.