CHOW SAYS CIAO, HEADS TO TENNESSEE CARROLL RELATIONSHIP INFLUENCED DECISION.

Byline: Scott Wolf Staff Writer

USC offensive coordinator Norm Chow accepted a similar position Tuesday night with the Tennessee Titans, ending a successful four-year run that recently became overshadowed by his deteriorating relationship with Trojans coach Pete Carroll.

Titans coach Jeff Fisher received permission from owner Bud Adams on Tuesday evening to offer Chow the job, sources said. He will make about $900,000, more than double his base USC salary of $380,000.

Chow, 58, was in Utah and could not be reached for comment, but he's expected to be announced as the Titans' offensive coordinator today in Nashville, although he will not be present. Chow is not expected to start working with the Titans until Feb. 19.

His departure from USC was hardly a surprise to those who work in the athletic department. In recent weeks, sources said, he told friends he believed Carroll wanted to force him out, a charge Carroll denied.

Their strained relationship became a bigger issue after the Trojans defeated Oklahoma 55-19 in the Orange Bowl, particularly when Carroll considered making Chow the assistant head coach and re-hiring Steve Sarkisian as quarterbacks coach with the additional title of offensive coordinator, sources said.

Under this plan, receivers coach Lane Kiffin could also be named assistant head coach, sources said.

The acrimony also played a role in offensive line coach Tim Davis' decision Monday to quit and become an assistant coach with the Miami Dolphins, according to several sources. Davis will become an assistant to offensive line coach Hudson Houck, seemingly a demotion although he'll receive more money from the NFL team.

Carroll denied any rift with Chow existed and was busy Tuesday trying to hire an offensive line coach. He interviewed New York Giants assistant Pat Ruel on Tuesday night. Carroll offered Ruel a job in 2001, but Ruel wanted to remain in the NFL. Sources said Carroll also has spoken to Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Alex Gibbs, although hiring him could be a long shot.

Carroll said he hadn't yet hired Sarkisian, but that is expected to be a formality once Chow's departure is officially announced. Sarkisian was an assistant at USC for three years (2000-03) and would like to return, sources said.

``I haven't hired anybody yet,'' Carroll said.

Carroll envisions Sarkisian and receivers coach Lane Kiffin dividing duties and said he wouldn't have a problem with Kiffin calling plays, if necessary.

``Is he capable?'' Carroll said. ``Yeah.''

With Chow gone, Carroll will probably become the de facto offensive coordinator and assume a much greater offensive role. He has gradually increased his role with the offense since his first season at USC and went out of his way to make certain people were aware the Trojans didn't run Brigham Young's offense, because Chow was a long-time assistant there.

``It's always amazed me that the media didn't pick up on how the offense has changed since the first year,'' a USC assistant coach said.

Chow will be remembered at USC for coaching two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks (Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart) and leading a prolific offensive attack that helped the Trojans to two national championships.

Around USC, most were preoccupied with Chow's relationship with Carroll and why things went downhill so fast. Carroll denied ever wanting to force Chow out and said Chow probably was unhappy with the uncertainty over his duties next season.

Scott Wolf, [phone]

scott.wolf(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

(color) USC football fans should remain calm about the departures of some Trojans assistant coaches, including Norm Chow, above, as long as Pete Carroll remains the program's leader.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer

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