UCLA Football: Contract considerations cloud Norm Chow's possible departure
Norm Chow's contract situation at UCLA could delay Coach Rick Neuheisel’s attempts to reshape his staff.
While Neuheisel has zeroed in on a new offensive coordinator, he still must shed himself of Chow, his offensive coordinator for the last three seasons. Neuheisel and former San Francisco assistant Mike Johnson have been in talks.
UCLA spokesman Marc Dellins said Wednesday that no one had been offered a job.
Chow’s situation likely will need to be resolved first.
If Chow quits, he will not receive any money from his two-year contract extension. If he is fired, he will receive the full amount. If Chow is hired elsewhere, the amount of his new contract will be deducted from what UCLA owes him. The deal is believed to be worth about $1 million.
UCLA officials and Chow are expected to work on a financial settlement, according to a person inside the program who has knowledge of the situation but is not authorized to speak on the subject. The negotiations could go into next week.
Chow could also be demoted and assigned to other duties for the duration of his contract.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported that Utah Coach Kyle Whittingham has had talks with Chow. Utah’s top assistant coach made $170,000 last season, according to the Tribune.
Chow did not respond to text messages. Don Yee, Chow’s agent, did not return telephone calls.
Neuheisel declined to comment.
-- Chris Foster
Photo: Norm Chow. Credit: Christian Petersen / Getty Images.
