Norm Chow, American football player and coach

A Storied Career in American Football

Norman Yew Heen Chow, born on May 3, 1946, is a revered name in American football, known for his prolific career as both a player and, most notably, a highly influential coach. His journey through the sport spans decades, touching various levels from prominent collegiate programs to the professional ranks, leaving an indelible mark on the game, particularly through his extraordinary ability to develop quarterback talent.

A Dynamic Coaching Odyssey

Chow's coaching path has been characterized by its dynamic nature, moving between some of the most prestigious college football programs and stints in professional leagues. Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Wildcats of the XFL, a position that underscored his continued commitment to the evolving landscape of football. Prior to this, Chow took on the challenging role of head football coach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a tenure that began in December 2011 and concluded in November 2015. This period as a head coach offered him the opportunity to lead a program and implement his comprehensive vision.

Throughout his extensive career, Chow carved out a formidable reputation primarily as an an offensive coordinator, orchestrating high-powered offenses for numerous celebrated institutions. His impressive resume includes impactful tenures with the Utah Utes, the UCLA Bruins, and the NC State Wolfpack. He also brought his offensive prowess to the NFL, serving with the Tennessee Titans, before returning to the collegiate level with the storied USC Trojans and the innovative program of the BYU Cougars. Each stop along this path allowed him to refine his offensive schemes and, crucially, to mentor a remarkable array of quarterbacks.

The "Quarterback Whisperer" and His Protégés

Perhaps Norman Chow's most enduring legacy is his unparalleled reputation as a "quarterback whisperer"—a coach with a unique gift for identifying, developing, and perfecting the skills of signal-callers. His track record in this area is truly exceptional, boasting statistics that solidify his status as one of the game's finest offensive minds. During his illustrious career as an assistant coach, Chow played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of eight of the top fourteen career passing-efficiency leaders in college football history. Furthermore, his guidance helped thirteen quarterbacks achieve rankings among the top thirty in NCAA history for single-season passing yardage, a testament to the consistent excellence of the offenses he orchestrated and the talent he nurtured.

The list of quarterbacks who flourished under Chow's tutelage reads like a who's who of football greats, encompassing both legendary professionals and Heisman Trophy winners. Notable players whose development he influenced include the formidable Jim McMahon, the iconic Steve Young, and the highly successful Philip Rivers. Moreover, Chow had a direct hand in coaching three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks: Ty Detmer, Carson Palmer, and Matt Leinart, each of whom reached the pinnacle of individual collegiate achievement under his guidance.

Accolades and Recognition

Chow's exceptional contributions to football have not gone unnoticed, earning him several prestigious awards that underscore his impact on the sport. In 2002, he was honored with the highly coveted Broyles Award, an accolade presented annually to the nation's top collegiate assistant coach, affirming his standing as a leader in his field. That same year, his offensive ingenuity was recognized as he was named the 2002 NCAA Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly. Earlier in his career, in 1999, the American Football Foundation acknowledged his profound influence by naming him the National Assistant Coach of the Year, further solidifying his reputation as a transformative figure in coaching.

Frequently Asked Questions About Norman Chow

What is Norman Chow most renowned for in his coaching career?

Norman Chow is primarily celebrated for his exceptional ability to develop quarterbacks, earning him the nickname "quarterback whisperer." He guided numerous players to achieve top passing efficiency and yardage records in NCAA history, including multiple Heisman Trophy winners.

Which prominent quarterbacks did Norman Chow coach?

His extensive list of protégés includes celebrated names such as Jim McMahon, Steve Young, and Philip Rivers. He also coached Heisman Trophy winners Ty Detmer, Carson Palmer, and Matt Leinart, among many others who excelled under his guidance.

What significant awards has Norman Chow received?

Chow received the prestigious Broyles Award in 2002 as the nation's top collegiate assistant coach. He was also named the 2002 NCAA Division I-A Offensive Coordinator of the Year by American Football Monthly and the National Assistant Coach of the Year in 1999 by the American Football Foundation.

What was Norman Chow's most recent coaching position?

His most recent role was as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Wildcats in the XFL.

Did Norman Chow ever serve as a head coach?

Yes, Norman Chow served as the head football coach at the University of Hawaii at Manoa from December 2011 to November 2015.