Norm Chow for OC -

Eurocat

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I am kind funning around since I know we are not going to fire McCall, I just thought I would throw out a name for fun. So everyone should relax, including you coach McCall if you are reading this.

But that having been said, why isn't this well regarded OC what we need if a change were to be made?

Maybe we need an OL coach more, that is true. Maybe it is not the OC so much as the OL then I would suggest we hir the guy who was let go from the Eagles just now along with Chip Kelly because he has midwest experience and basically is a college coach now looking for work.
http://media.philadelphiaeagles.com/media/151728/stoutland-jeff.pdf
 

Eurocat

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Oh and I know Cushing isn't going to be fired too, nor should he after 10 wins, just saying if he were taken away like Kevin Johns.....
 

corbi2961

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Uh... are you saying Norm Chow wouldn't be an upgrade for us at OC?

I don't think we will hire Chow, but to say it's not what we need perplexes me.

What has Norm Chow done lately? This is not a business where you can live off of past accomplishments. The guy hasn't even coached for the last several years and he failed miserably at his last job. What makes you think he is a good coach? Just because he coached several top offenses at USC? With the type of elite talent they recruited at SC, I think I could have coordinated a top offense. That is not enough to convince me he is a good coach. Besides, I have stated over and over that I think McCall is not our problem. I think he is an excellent OC and I would not take Norm Chow over McCall.
 

Eurocat

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What do you mean he hasn't coached for years, he coached this year.

Until he was fired.

I just wonder if after 10 years at the same job if we don't need a shake up.

Plus footballscoop.com and the Ball State message board have mentioned McCall as a Ball State Head Coach candidate. Shouldn't we talk about "what if" scenarios?

I don't see anyone on staff getting bumped up if he gets the Ball State job.
 

corbi2961

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I stand corrected. I thought he had been fired last season. Nonetheless, my critique stands. The guy was 10-36 at Hawaii and just hasn't done enough in my mind to convince me his past success wasn't the product of favorable circumstances. Besides, he is 69 years old. He just wouldn't be a good fit. If we are going to pull names out of thin air, why don't you suggest June Jones? He is known as an offensive wiz and he was much more successful as the head coach at Hawaii than Norm Chow was.

Of course I don't think either of these guys make sense nor do I think McCall should be replaced. If McCall were to leave to take a head coaching job, i think it would be challenging to find a comparable replacement. One guy I would investigate is Matt Limegrover, the former OC at Minnesota. He was a GA at NU a long time ago and I think he is a good coach. Not sure he would be my top choice but he certainly would be a better fit than Norm Chow.
 
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Gocatsgo2003

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What do you mean he hasn't coached for years, he coached this year.

Until he was fired.

I just wonder if after 10 years at the same job if we don't need a shake up.

Plus footballscoop.com and the Ball State message board have mentioned McCall as a Ball State Head Coach candidate. Shouldn't we talk about "what if" scenarios?

I don't see anyone on staff getting bumped up if he gets the Ball State job.

Where did you see that on TheScoop? I read it pretty regularly and haven't seen that one.

Or the Ball State message board for that matter.
 
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I stand corrected. I thought he had been fired last season. Nonetheless, my critique stands. The guy was 10-36 at Hawaii and just hasn't done enough in my mind to convince me his past success wasn't the product of favorable circumstances. Besides, he is 69 years old. He just wouldn't be a good fit. If we are going to pull names out of thin air, why don't you suggest June Jones? He is known as an offensive wiz and he was much more successful as the head coach at Hawaii than Norm Chow was.

Of course I don't think either of these guys make sense nor do I think McCall should be replaced. If McCall were to leave to take a head coaching job, i think it would be challenging to find a comparable replacement. One guy I would investigate is Matt Limegrover, the former OC at Minnesota. He was a GA at NU a long time ago and I think he is a good coach. Not sure he would be my top choice but he certainly would be a better fit than Norm Chow.
I see your opinion as a powder puff one. Not sure how in hell you can support that you want McCall to stay. Are you out of your mind? Over the last two years, we finished dead last in offense. Thus, it can't get worse. LAST. Your boy had a NFL QB in that span so don't blame his lack of offense on Thorson. And you keep hammering the wide receivers but you close your eyes and reject the talent that McCall has parked on the sidelines on most plays. Anderson, Vitale, G Dickerson, Long, all were parked for the vast majority of plays even though we have the worst offense in college football. Your boy Vitale couldn't even sniff the field much. Imagine that, Vitale couldn't get on the field for the worst offense in football. Who's fault is that if it isn't McCall's? LMAO, how McCall had this secret plan to sneak on Tenn by moving Vault to wide receiver and forcing most plays to him. WTH? Granted Vault is interesting but at the expense of Jackson touches and Vitale? R U KIDDN ME Corbi???? You can't pin that one on Springer. And to be sure, I think Springer is in over his head.

Oh, and your boy couldn't develop any of the 4 QB's on the roster even though he was handed MORE talent than any previous OC. You yourself endorsed each recruiting class as very good.

GET REAL
 
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EvanstonCat

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I stand corrected. I thought he had been fired last season. Nonetheless, my critique stands. The guy was 10-36 at Hawaii and just hasn't done enough in my mind to convince me his past success wasn't the product of favorable circumstances. Besides, he is 69 years old. He just wouldn't be a good fit. If we are going to pull names out of thin air, why don't you suggest June Jones? He is known as an offensive wiz and he was much more successful as the head coach at Hawaii than Norm Chow was.

Of course I don't think either of these guys make sense nor do I think McCall should be replaced. If McCall were to leave to take a head coaching job, i think it would be challenging to find a comparable replacement. One guy I would investigate is Matt Limegrover, the former OC at Minnesota. He was a GA at NU a long time ago and I think he is a good coach. Not sure he would be my top choice but he certainly would be a better fit than Norm Chow.

Someone who can't succeed as a head coach can still be an outstanding coordinator. That has been proven time and time again. Hankwitz for one. Ted Room. Lane Kiffin. Will Muschamp. Even Bob Davie.

And yes, the fact that he has coached several top offenses is why I would like to give him a shot. Same cred that Hankwitz had. I've always been one who valued experience succeeding at the top programs, because you know what needs to be done to get to the top of the mountain, because you've been there.
 

EvanstonCat

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Wow, maybe my standards are a bit different or perhaps unrealistic, but I'd prefer to get someone who is actually coaching WR's at some level, and has demonstrated that they can do so with great success. Minnesota hardly comes to mind. Now, if we could land that WR coach at IU, that would be something...

Hell, who coaches WR's at Mount Union? Sent more than a couple Division III players to the League. Getting the WR's coach at some pass happy offensive juggernaut in the MAC or whatever non power 5 program (Houston?).

Also, given Springer is our only African-American coach on the offensive side of the ball, I'd favor going with an African-American to replace him if possible.
 

willycat

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How do you know that? Why be so defeatist about it? What if Pat Ryan had a private meeting with Fitz last night and read him the riot act and got him to understand how things REALLY work? What if for the first time ever, our historically passive, lame-*** fans were to revolt and light up the phones at the AD's office? Or more likely, hire someone to do it for them since they can't be bothered? Don't assume this can't happen. It just has to be MADE to happen by someone who wants to.
I was thinking the same thing, that some big time donors, you know the same group that is funding the new practice facility, get a hold of Phillips and have him tell Fitz that coaching changes are needed or million dollar checks are going to stop. Chow would be an excellent start.
 

Gocatsgo2003

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How do you know that? Why be so defeatist about it? What if Pat Ryan had a private meeting with Fitz last night and read him the riot act and got him to understand how things REALLY work? What if for the first time ever, our historically passive, lame-*** fans were to revolt and light up the phones at the AD's office? Or more likely, hire someone to do it for them since they can't be bothered? Don't assume this can't happen. It just has to be MADE to happen by someone who wants to.

You don't honestly believe that Athletic Departments make decisions based on whether or not fans call the offices, do you? This whole act is fascinating to me.
 

corbi2961

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Wow, maybe my standards are a bit different or perhaps unrealistic, but I'd prefer to get someone who is actually coaching WR's at some level, and has demonstrated that they can do so with great success. Minnesota hardly comes to mind. Now, if we could land that WR coach at IU, that would be something...

Hell, who coaches WR's at Mount Union? Sent more than a couple Division III players to the League. Getting the WR's coach at some pass happy offensive juggernaut in the MAC or whatever non power 5 program (Houston?).

Also, given Springer is our only African-American coach on the offensive side of the ball, I'd favor going with an African-American to replace him if possible.

Maybe you should do your homework and you would see that this guy coached WRs at multiple stops before Minnesota (see paste below) and did so for very successful programs that were not successful before he got there. Not surprised that this is something that escapes you because there is never any substance to any of your comments about football. You are easily swayed by glitz and emotion without even bothering to determine if there is any substance to back it up. Because of his age, geographic focus, cost, lack of connection to Fitz and lack of success that I feel can be attributed directly to him, I think Chow would be a very poor choice for any position on our staff. Using your logic, we should have never hired Kevin Johns as the WR coach when we did because his only previous experience was a couple of years of experience as the WR coach at the well known powerhouse, Richmond!

Prior to coming to NIU, Zebrowski was the offensive coordinator and coached quarterbacks and receivers at UW-Whitewater, which won the 2007 and 2009 Division III National Championship and played in the 2008 title game. The Warhawks compiled a 42-3 record during his time in Whitewater, including a perfect 15-0 mark in 2009. The 2009 UW-W offense averaged 42.5 points and 489.6 yards per game, and Wisconsin-Whitewater quarterbacks completed 71.1 percent of their passes with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions with Zebrowski calling the plays. He was named the 2009 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year and the Division III Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com.

Prior to his time at UW-Whitewater, Zebrowski spent four seasons as head coach at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisc. where he led a resurgence of the Muskie football program. His Lakeland teams compiled a 28-12 mark, including a 24-4 record in the Illini-Badger Football Conference. Lakeland shared the IBFC championship in 2004 and won the title outright in 2005 and made the school's first trip to the Division III Playoffs. His Muskie teams never finished lower than second in the league.

Zebrowski, a native of Strongsville, Ohio who played football at Mount Union College, also was a member of a championship staff at Millikin College in Decatur, Ill. for the 2000-2002 seasons, when Millikin compiled a 24-6 overall record. With Zebrowski as offensive coordinator, Millikin won the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2000. The Big Blue finished second in the nation in scoring (44.6 points per game) and rushed for nearly 300 yards per game that year.

His collegiate coaching career began at Southern Illinois University, where he spent the 1997 season as a graduate assistant before being elevated to work with tight ends (1998), wide receivers (Dec. 1998-April 1999) and quarterbacks (May 1999-February 2000). He left SIU for Millikin prior to the arrival of Kill in 2001.
 
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corbi2961

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Because if there's one thing Minnesota is known for, it's solid QB and WR play?

The guy did not coach WRs at Minnesota but did coach WRs at previous stops where they had pretty prolific offenses during his time there. He was the passing game coordinator for coach Kill at Minnesota and except for the dissapointing season they had this year, he was a key member of a staff that dramatically uptiered the profile and overall success of the Minnesota program. Prior to that, he played a similar role in helping lead the NIU program and offense to national prominence. As the QB coach at UM and NIU he was responsible for developing Leidner, Gray, Weber and Chandler Harnish into successful QBs. There may be better candidates out there, but this guy is a realistic choice for us and in mind a clear upgrade over what we have now. The other positive is that this guy has been a coordinator at lower levels and was responsible for the passing game at Minnesota. The one good point that was made by the OP is that we do not have a contingency plan on staff if something happened to McCall. This guy would be capable of stepping into McCall's shoes in a pinch.
 

Gocatsgo2003

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The guy did not coach WRs at Minnesota but did coach WRs at previous stops where they had pretty prolific offenses during his time there. He was the passing game coordinator for coach Kill at Minnesota and except for the dissapointing season they had this year, he was a key member of a staff that dramatically uptiered the profile and overall success of the Minnesota program. Prior to that, he played a similar role in helping lead the NIU program and offense to national prominence. As the QB coach at UM and NIU he was responsible for developing Leidner, Gray, Weber and Chandler Harnish into successful QBs. There may be better candidates out there, but this guy is a realistic choice for us and in mind a clear upgrade over what we have now. The other positive is that this guy has been a coordinator at lower levels and was responsible for the passing game at Minnesota. The one good point that was made by the OP is that we do not have a contingency plan on staff if something happened to McCall. This guy would be capable of stepping into McCall's shoes in a pinch.

Again, I'm not exactly impressed with a guy who was Minnesota's Passing Game Coordinator. They consistently had one of the saddest passing attacks I've seen (this year's NU attack notwithstanding). Nor is it exactly impressive to stake claim to Mitch Leidner, Marquis Gray, or Adam Weber's development as passers (I'll give you Chandler Harnish).
 

corbi2961

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Do you think he could be worse than Springer? Any realistic names that you could suggest?
 

Gocatsgo2003

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Do you think he could be worse than Springer? Any realistic names that you could suggest?

For the WR spot? Without doing much research, Brent Pease is looking for a job. Obviously not great that he was let go after an underperforming stay at Washington, but generally regarded as a very good recruiter and decent WR coach. Wouldn't mind having a guy who learned under Chris Petersen for years.
 

willycat

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Maybe you should do your homework and you would see that this guy coached WRs at multiple stops before Minnesota (see paste below) and did so for very successful programs that were not successful before he got there. Not surprised that this is something that escapes you because there is never any substance to any of your comments about football. You are easily swayed by glitz and emotion without even bothering to determine if there is any substance to back it up. Because of his age, geographic focus, cost, lack of connection to Fitz and lack of success that I feel can be attributed directly to him, I think Chow would be a very poor choice for any position on our staff. Using your logic, we should have never hired Kevin Johns as the WR coach when we did because his only previous experience was a couple of years of experience as the WR coach at the well known powerhouse, Richmond!

Prior to coming to NIU, Zebrowski was the offensive coordinator and coached quarterbacks and receivers at UW-Whitewater, which won the 2007 and 2009 Division III National Championship and played in the 2008 title game. The Warhawks compiled a 42-3 record during his time in Whitewater, including a perfect 15-0 mark in 2009. The 2009 UW-W offense averaged 42.5 points and 489.6 yards per game, and Wisconsin-Whitewater quarterbacks completed 71.1 percent of their passes with 30 touchdowns and seven interceptions with Zebrowski calling the plays. He was named the 2009 Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year and the Division III Coordinator of the Year by FootballScoop.com.

Prior to his time at UW-Whitewater, Zebrowski spent four seasons as head coach at Lakeland College in Sheboygan, Wisc. where he led a resurgence of the Muskie football program. His Lakeland teams compiled a 28-12 mark, including a 24-4 record in the Illini-Badger Football Conference. Lakeland shared the IBFC championship in 2004 and won the title outright in 2005 and made the school's first trip to the Division III Playoffs. His Muskie teams never finished lower than second in the league.

Zebrowski, a native of Strongsville, Ohio who played football at Mount Union College, also was a member of a championship staff at Millikin College in Decatur, Ill. for the 2000-2002 seasons, when Millikin compiled a 24-6 overall record. With Zebrowski as offensive coordinator, Millikin won the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) championship and advanced to the NCAA Division III playoffs in 2000. The Big Blue finished second in the nation in scoring (44.6 points per game) and rushed for nearly 300 yards per game that year.

His collegiate coaching career began at Southern Illinois University, where he spent the 1997 season as a graduate assistant before being elevated to work with tight ends (1998), wide receivers (Dec. 1998-April 1999) and quarterbacks (May 1999-February 2000). He left SIU for Millikin prior to the arrival of Kill in 2001.
Come on his best stop on his resume is as the WR coach at pass happy Minny. Sorry but UW-Whitewater, Lakeland College and SIU do not make a impressive resume. How about a successful coach from a Power 5 school.
 

NUCat320

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If you want a top OC, look at the nation's top scoring offenses and find someone from their staff. That's a coach that knows how to score points in the modern era.

Maybe the Western Kentucky or Arkansas State or BG OC would accept an OC job at NU. (I'm not sure the stability there - I feel like head guys have gotten jobs elsewhere, but they've kept on scoring.) Otherwise, a WR or QB coach at a TCU or Baylor or Houston.

I don't have names.

The failure with this approach is that NU's strength is RB and weakness is WR. If you're getting a wide open spread type coach, you're probably accentuating the negative. That said, points is points, and modern spread offenses are fairly not-so-stoppable.

Norm Chow is old and only won with the greatest talent. That'll never fit the NU description.
 
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Do you think he could be worse than Springer? Any realistic names that you could suggest?
whoa, your boy McCall is the guy who vouched for and recommended Springer. Thus, McCall is responsible for Springer as well. You cant pick and choose corbi. And , No, we dont want the very very bad minny coach. Sorry.
 

corbi2961

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Turk, best if you stick to the Rant Board. As ridiculous as your rant board posts are, you sound flat out incoherent when you actually post about football.
 

Cookie1966

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Hasn't been hired since he's been fired from Hawaii

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_Chow
Would love to have chow. Problem is he runs the run and shoot and NU don't have the personnel We don't have Timmy Chang or colt Brennan (pocket passers). Green and smith would fit that mold. Thorson would have to change what he is
Although the run and shoot utilizes small quick cutting WRs a couple fit that mold mainly Roberts I think lees would also fit that mold

The ol line would have to change need pass protecting lineman ours are more of run blocking lineman.

Be a nice hire but current recruits don't fit it that type of offense. Be nice to see 400 yard passing games though
 

corbi2961

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Why would a su
Come on his best stop on his resume is as the WR coach at pass happy Minny. Sorry but UW-Whitewater, Lakeland College and SIU do not make a impressive resume. How about a successful coach from a Power 5 school.
why would a successful position coach at another power 5 school make a lateral move to come to NU?
 

Gocatsgo2003

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If you want an OC who's now available, Matt Canada would be a good choice. Not sure why he was let go at NC State.
 

corbi2961

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I would hire Rob Ianello as WR coach. He flopped as a Head Coach, tis true, but he is known as a phenomenal recruiter with many midwest ties and I am sure we could lure him away from the Buffallo Bulls MAC team.

http://www.buffalonews.com/sports/u...ing-mastery-an-asset-for-ub-football-20150402

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Ianello

I had lost track of Ianello. An exceptional recruiter, but don't know what his capabilities are as a position coach. He would be a good choice if we can get comfortable that he can handle the position coaching responsibilities. We can't afford another coach whose strength is skewed towards recruiting. We already have a few too many of those. no
 

Purple Pile Driver

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whoa, your boy McCall is the guy who vouched for and recommended Springer. Thus, McCall is responsible for Springer as well. You cant pick and choose corbi. And , No, we dont want the very very bad minny coach. Sorry.

Corbi- you have a lot of boys
 

corbi2961

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Corbi- you have a lot of boys

I guess so. Apparently if you're thoughtful about what is happening and make a case for why you don't think McCall is the problem, that makes him "your boy". Other than wanting Northwestern's football team to improve, I don't have any vested interest in keeping Mick McCall or in getting rid of Springer/Cushing. I call them the way I see them.
 

corbi2961

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Oh, maybe MONEY!

You think NU can pay assistant coaches more than most other Power 5 schools? Come on, we all know that's not true. At best our best paid assistants make the average of their peers at other Power 5 schools.