Football’s Mike Norvell Promoted To Deputy Head Coach

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State University football offensive coordinator Mike Norvell has been promoted to Deputy Head Coach and solidified his intent to remain a Sun Devil, head coach Todd Graham announced Wednesday.

“I am committed to the long-term success of this program under the leadership of Todd Graham,” ASU President Dr. Michael Crow said. “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 remarkable track record he has established in the last two years at ASU.”

Coach Norvell has amassed more than 12,000 total yards and 1,032 total points in his two seasons as offensive coordinator at Arizona State, the most in a two-year span at ASU since 1972-73. 

“I work with a world-class head coach and staff, and have the opportunity every day to teach world-class student-athletes at one of the top public universities in the world,” coach Norvell said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished in two years here, but I remain devoted to our ultimate goal of bringing a championship to the valley.”

He was nominated for the Broyles Award this past November, given to nation’s most outstanding assistant football coach, and his offense finished the regular season ranked in the top 30 nationally in four major statistical categories, including ninth in scoring, 19th in first downs, 28th in passing offense and 29th in total offense.

“In addition to his offensive prowess, coach Norvell is one of the greatest teachers I’ve ever worked with,” coach Graham said. “Character, discipline and work ethic are all ideals he not only stresses, but holds himself to as well. His ability to connect and motivate young people is unparalleled, and I’m looking forward to coaching with him for many years to come.”    

In 2013, quarterback Taylor Kelly passed for 3,510 yards, wide receiver Jaelen Strong tallied 1,094 receiving yards and running back Marion Grice rushed for 996 yards. With the National University Holiday Bowl still to play, coach Norvell’s offense has an opportunity to produce a 3,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard receiver and a 1,000-yard rusher for just the second time in school history.

The team has scored at least 50 points on a school-record six different occasions this season, including a string of four consecutive 50-plus games against Pac-12 opponents from Sept. 28 to Oct. 31. ASU's six games this season of 50 or more points surpasses its total from the previous four seasons combined, and prior to 2013, the Sun Devils had only ever scored 40-plus against consecutive Pac-10/12 foes once before in 1996.

In addition to calling all the plays on offense, coach Norvell is the program’s quarterbacks coach and is specifically responsible for molding Taylor Kelly into one of the most productive and dynamic quarterbacks in school history. In 2013, Kelly has moved within the top three in five different single season school record lists, including first in points responsible for, second in total offense and completion, and third in passing yards and attempts. Kelly also finished the regular season ranked in the top 30 nationally in the majority of major quarterback categories.

Just 32, coach Norvell is among the youngest and brightest offensive minds in the nation and a member of the Todd Graham coaching tree that has produced the likes of Gus Malzahn, Major Applewhite, Chad Morris, Bill Blankenship, Keith Patterson and David Beatty.