EL PASO, TEXAS » The fun and the game were over, and Norm Chow was on the move.

Chow had no time to celebrate Utah’s 30-27 overtime victory over Georgia Tech in Saturday’s Sun Bowl, a game that completed his tenure as the Utes’ offensive coordinator.

There was a plane to catch, people to meet, plans to finalize.

"This victory is all about the players," said Chow, who called John White’s game-winning 8-yard scoring run. "John White would not be denied on that last one."

While others cheered in the Utah coaches booth, Chow offered a smile, then packed his notes. He answered questions from a reporter while sprint-walking to a golf cart, which would take him to his rental car, which he would drive to the El Paso International Airport.

Chow wanted to be at his home in Manhattan Beach to ring in the new year and his official start as head coach of the Hawaii football team.

"We’re going to work like heck this next week," said Chow, who will interview candidates for assistant coaches’ jobs and set up recruiting visits.

Chow has said he received inquiries from more than 400 applicants.

Two administrative assistant coaches on Utah’s staff this year — Lewis Powell and Philip Rauscher — arrive in Honolulu on Monday to begin their jobs as full-time UH assistant coaches. Powell will coach the defensive linemen. Rauscher will be in charge of the tight ends, a position that will be added when Chow implements a pro-style offense.

Because there is only a three-day window between noncontact recruiting periods this week, Chow will remain on the mainland. He arrives in Hawaii on Jan. 9 for the first time since he was introduced as head coach on Dec. 22.

He probably will stay with his daughter and son-in-law at their house in Pauoa.

"I don’t have time to look for a place," Chow said, smiling.

This past year, he lived at a hotel near Utah’s Salt Lake City campus. It was the same hotel where Rick Majerus lived during his 14-year tenure as the Utes’ basketball coach, although not the same room. Chow has joked he lived in the "Majerus junior room."

Chow said he has not decided whether he will serve as the Warriors’ offensive coordinator. His assuming that role would free up extra money for a defensive coordinator.

Whether he calls the plays, Chow promises to install his version of the pro-set offense, which might include elements of the run-and-shoot passing scheme the Warriors ran the past 13 seasons. The run-and-shoot does not employ a tight end or fullback, but Chow said those positions are not mandatory in all of his plays.

"The run-and-shoot is a very effective way to move the ball," said Chow, who often consults with the scheme’s architect, former UH coach June Jones. "But you have to be able to run the ball. There’s nothing wrong with the run-and-shoot. I spent many hours with June Jones trying to figure it out."

In the Sun Bowl, Utah’s offensive diversity was displayed.

Quarterback Jon Hays took snaps from under center and in the shotgun. The backs were aligned in an "I" formation and split. The Utes showed a full-house look before the two big backs shifted into H-backs. The Utes ran a reverse for a big gain and, on the next play, threw an option pass off a reverse.

"That’s what you can expect every week," Chow said.

Utah wideout Dres Anderson, whose 28-yard scoring catch forced overtime, praised Chow as a "great mind."

"I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with him for a year," Anderson said. "All of the award winners he’s coached, and being in the NFL, it was an honor to play for him."

Hays was an emergency signing when his college — Nebraska-Omaha — dropped football and the Utes needed depth. Hays, who did not participate in spring training, was pressed into a starting role after Jordan Wynn was injured.

Chow spent hours tutoring Hays on going through progressions. With Hays, the Utes won four Pac-12 games.

"He was the only one who gave me a shot," Hays said. "I’m forever indebted to him. He believed in me. I’m sad he’s leaving. He’s a great person and a great coach."

With Chow’s guidance, White set Utah’s single-season rushing record with 1,519 yards.

"He was a great influence," said White, who first became aware of Chow when he was Southern California’s offensive coordinator. "I grew up around USC. My mom works at USC. I never thought he would be my coach. I’m going to miss him a lot."