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With Norm Chow packing his bags for Hawaii, changes are in the future for the Utah Utes and their offense. Just how much change could come the Utes' way though is uncertain.
Chow was brought in to help the Utes switch to a more pro-style offense at the request of coach Kyle Whittingham. However, Whittingham said it was more important to have an offense that fits the players rather than stick with one certain style.
"We are going to head to the direction of the strengths of the players and utilizing the abilities of the guys in the program," he said.
Utah's offense ranked last in the Pac-12 in 2011 averaging just 308.67 yards and ranked ninth averaging 24.58 points. However, much of what the Utes planned to do this year was scrapped when quarterback Jordan Wynn suffered a season-ending shoulder injury.
"It probably didn't come to full fruition," Whittingham said of the offense. "We got a taste of it and we got a 1,500-yard back out of it so we did some positive things, but it felt like we were just starting to scratch the surface of what the possibilities are in the west coast offense."
Wynn is set to return next year. The Utes will be loaded at running back, too, with John White returning and the addition of Fullerton junior college running back Kelvin York, who signed with the Utes Wednesday, giving the Utes plenty of offensive options.
Whittingham likened the 6-foot, 222-pound York, who originally committed, to USC to former Ute Jamal Anderson.
"He is quick and fast and he is a punishing runner and gets to the open field and makes you miss," Whittingham said. "He is big like Jamal, but no offense to Jamal, he might be faster than Jamal was."
As for Chow, the 65-year-old was emotional following Wednesday's practice as he discussed his future with Hawaii. Although he was only with the Utes for a year, Chow said it was hard to leave, noting the head coaching job at Hawaii or possibly one in the NFL were the only possibilities that could have pulled him away from the Utes.
He agreed to a five-year deal with the Warriors that will pay him between $550,000 and $600,000 in base salary.
He will be introduced as Hawaii's coach Thursday afternoon and will return Monday to continue prepping the Utes for the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl against Georgia Tech. Chow will coach the Utes in the bowl.
"I like being here," Chow said. "I enjoy Kyle and the young men on the staff, and the young men are terrific and work hard. It's a fun place to coach."
Whittingham said he would take his time in finding a replacement for Chow and said he'd already been contacted by several prospects.
"Recruiting is priority one right now," he said. "The month of January we'll be gathering information and compiling lists of possibilities and good fits. I don't have a timetable. I'd rather err on the side of patience and get the right fit."
Sun Bowl
P Utah vs. Georgia Tech
Saturday, Dec. 31, noon
TV • Ch. 2