Norm Chow, offensive coordinator of the NFL's Tennessee Titans, pulled his name from consideration for UCLA's head coaching job yesterday.

Chow interviewed for the job last weekend while in Kansas City, the night before the Titans' 26-17 victory over the Chiefs. He said he appreciated UCLA's interest and the chance to speak about the job.

"While I was told that our meeting went very well, I was given no indication as to what their final decision will be, or what their timing is to make that decision," he said in a statement.

"Nevertheless, I have decided not to pursue things further with UCLA at this time. My focus is on the Tennessee Titans and preparing our team for a chance at the playoffs."

Chow is a Punahou Schools and Brigham Young University alum from Hawai'i.

The Titans (8-6) must win their final two games and need help elsewhere to clinch their first playoff berth since 2003.

SHORT SNAPS

Penn State: Head coach Joe Paterno will celebrate his 81st birthday today while preparing his Nittany Lions for Texas A&M in the Dec. 29 Alamo Bowl at San Antonio, which will be his record record 34th bowl game and 500th career game overall.

Drake: Chris Creighton has left Wabash College to take over as Drake's football coach, Wabash announced yesterday. Creighton was 63-15 in seven seasons at Wabash, which reached the NCAA Division III quarterfinals this season before losing to eventual champion Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Wisconsin: Tight end Travis Beckum, a third-team all-american and a finalist for the 2007 John Mackey Award given to the best tight end in the country, plans to return for his senior season with the Badgers.

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