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A source close to the situation told me #Sooners assistant Jay Norvell was offered the Chicago Bears' WR coach job, but turned it down
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) January 25, 2013
Jay Norvell also interviewed for the Broncos' QB coach position. He worked with Peyton Manning when on the Colts' staff from 98-01. #Sooners
— Jason Kersey (@jasonkersey) January 25, 2013
According to multiple reports, including the one above from Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman, Sooners assistant coach Jay Norvell has turned down at least one NFL coaching opportunity. Norvell, the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for Oklahoma, had previously spent time in the NFL with both the Indianapolis Colts (1998-2001) and the Oakland Raiders (2002-2003).
Needless to say Norvell choosing not to leave is fantastic news for a number of reasons, chief among them the fact Norvell is widely considered (and rightfully so) to be one of Oklahoma's best recruiters. At a bare minimum, this news made (or will make) a number of Oklahoma fans very, very happy.
Whatever his reasons for turning down the NFL, it says a lot about Norvell and his affinity for his current position. As we all know, the NFL is the highest level and even with his past experience in the league those kind of opportunities do not come around every day. So to pass on at least one reported chance and return to Norman says a lot not only about Norvell, but also about the kind of camaraderie Bob Stoops has built amongst his staff.
Whether it's as a head coach at the college level or a return to the NFL, there will definitely be opportunities for Norvell in the future. For now however, he's staying in Norman and that's a very good thing.