USC line-backer coach Ken Norton will remain with the Trojans, despite attempts by Bruins new head-coach Rick Neuheisel to woo Norton over to the powder-blue side. As reported by the LA Times, Norton was offered an assistant head coach position at UCLA (his alma mater), but the three time Pro Bowl and Super Bowl champion opted to stay at USC.

As Gary Klein reports, Norton’s presence is as important for the players, as it is for the coaches and the team.

Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga, who is draft eligible, said Monday that if Norton had not assured him he would remain at USC, he probably would have turned pro.

“I can’t see myself being coached by anybody else,” Maualuga said.