In an effort to keep offensive coordinator Mike Norvell in Tempe, Arizona State announced Wednesday his promotion to deputy head coach.
The 32-year-old Norvell reportedly interviewed for the head coaching gig at Arkansas State and has been cast as one of college football’s rising coaching stars. The deal with Arizona State almost certainly bumps his salary higher than the $500,000 he made last season, according to AZCentral.com.
“I am committed to the long-term success of this program under the leadership of Todd Graham,” ASU President Michael Crow said in a statement (again via AZCentral.com). “Rewarding the skills of a master teacher like Mike Norvell is a demonstration of that commitment. Coach Norvell’s performance as offensive coordinator has been nationally recognized, and this promotion reflects the track record he has established in the last two years at ASU.”
The new title and pay raise likely help Norvell bide his time for a better job to open up than Arkansas State. If he stays on the same path, perhaps he’ll break into the head coaching ranks at a BCS school.