Chris Norris - Football Coach - University of Oregon Athletics

Chris Norris

Title:
Special Teams Analyst

Chris Norris is in his fifth season at Oregon working as a football analyst focusing primarily on special teams.

Norris came to Oregon after making stops at Northern State, Tennessee State, Jacksonville, Southeast Missouri State, Webber International and South Florida. He has worked with special teams throughout his career while also coaching running backs and tight ends along the way.

Oregon (2017-present)
Norris has been instrumental in Oregon’s success on special teams the last four seasons while teaming with special teams coach Bobby Williams the last three.

In his first three seasons as an analyst, an Oregon special teams player earned first-team All-Pac-12 Conference honors in a vote of the league’s coaches. In 2019, Brady Breeze claimed the all-purpose/special teams honor following Brenden Schooler being named to the position the previous two seasons.

During the 2020 season shortened by COVID-19, punter Tom Snee continued Oregon’s success started the previous season by Blake Maimone. Snee averaged 43.64 yards per punt, ranking second in the Pac-12 Conference and 28th in the country. He also downed 11 of his 25 punts inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

Oregon also excelled in kickoff return game in 2020, leading the Pac-12 in returns of 30-or-more yards with seven.

Maimone showed marked improvement during his career at Oregon. He ended it following the 2019 season as Oregon’s all-time leader with a 43.4-yard average on 107 career punts. Maimone finished with two of the top seven season averages in program history. During his senior season, he finished third in the Pac-12 and 25th in the nation with a 44.0 yard per punt average earning Maimone Pro Football Focus honorable mention All-Pac-12 honors. Oregon ranked 28th in the country in punting averaging 43.87 yards per punt.

In 2019, Oregon was the only team in the nation to rank in the top 10 in both punt return average and kickoff return average. The Ducks finished eighth in the nation and second in the Pac-12 with a 26.28 kickoff return average. UO was ninth in the country and third in the league with a 14.33 punt return average.

In 2018, Oregon led the Pac-12 Conference in punt return average (11.95 ypr), nearly doubling its average from the 2017 season.

In Norris’ first season at Oregon, the Ducks finished 28th in the country in kickoff return average (22.73 ypr) while ranking third in the Pac-12.

South Florida (2016)
Norris spent one season at South Florida serving as a recruiting assistant and special teams advisor. He helped the Bulls to an 11-2 record and a spot in the Birmingham Bowl. Punt returner D’Ernest Johnson claimed second-team All-American Athletic Conference following the season.

Webber International (2014-2015)
Norris spent three seasons at Webber International as the special teams coordinator and running backs coach. In 2015, Norris helped the Warriors rank fifth nationally in rushing yards per game and 12th in total rushing.

During his three seasons at WIU, Norris helped lead the Warriors to a 17-11 record while going 9-5 in The Sun Conference Games. The 2014 team matched a school record with seven wins while finishing 4-1 in conference play.

Norris coached five players who earned all-conference recognition during his three seasons at Webber including Darius Page, a first-team pick in 2015 and an honorable mention selection in 2014. Page finished his career at the Warriors all-time leader in rushing yardage per game (109.5 ypg) and rushing touchdowns (20), while ranking second in rushing yardage (2,189). Page’s 1,239 rushing yards in 2015 is the only 1,000 yard rushing season in school history.

Southeast Missouri State (2006-13)
Norris spent eight seasons as the Redhawks’ running backs and special teams coach. While at SEMO, Norris coached Henry Harris, the 2010 Ohio Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Year and first-team All-American, who shattered numerous school records. Harris, who finished fifth in the overall voting for the Walter Payton Award, became Southeast’s all-time single-season leader in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, points scored, total touchdowns and rushing touchdowns.

Two seasons later, Norris coached his second All-OVC selection at running back when Levi Terrell garnered second-team accolades. Terrell ran for 1,349 yards and six touchdowns in 2012, finishing his career ranked ninth all-time on Southeast’s career rushing list.

Norris helped a Southeast punter earn All-America honors in four of his first six years on the Redhawks coaching staff.

Return men flourished under Norris’ leadership. Five of Southeast’s top-10 career kick return leaders came under Norris’ watch.

Jacksonville (2003-05)
Norris spent three seasons at Jacksonville as a member of Steve Gilbert’s staff. In his first year at JU, Dolphin running backs ran for a school-record 2,103 yards on 494 carries. Norris coached Emmett Hunter, the Dolphins all-time leading rusher at the time, to All-America honors in 2003.

On special teams, Norris also coached All-Americans all three of his seasons with the Dolphins. Punter Ryan Long earned All-America honors from College Sports Report.com and Don Hansen’s Football Gazette in 2003. Punter/kicker Ryan Feely claimed All-America recognition from Don Hansen’s Football Gazette, Sports Network and College Sports Report.com in 2004, while earning All-America honors from Sports Network and College Sports Report.com.

Tennessee State (2000-02)
Norris spent three seasons at Tennessee State as special teams coordinator and running backs coach. During his stint at TSU, he coached two all-conference players on special teams with return specialist Carlos Wright earning All-Ohio Valley Conference recognition twice, including a first-team nod in 2000. Kicker Joey Hudak also claimed all-league honors.

Northern State (1999)
Norris began his college coaching career as special teams coordinator and tight ends coach at Northern State. He helped lead the wolves to a 9-2 record and a No. 11 national ranking. The Wolves won the Northern Sun Conference with an 8-0 record.

Pete Peterson, a place kicker and punter for the Wolves, claimed first-team All-Northern Sun Conference recognition under Norris’ tutelage.

Nebraska – Student Athlete (1991-95)
Norris played fullback at Nebraska helping the Cornhuskers win National Championships in both 1994 and 1995. Nebraska compiled a 47-3 record during his time in Lincoln.

During the 1995 season, Norris suffered a career ending injury. Despite the injury, he became a student-assistant coach and helped lead the Cornhuskers to a fifth straight Big Eight title and a second consecutive National Championship.

Personal
Norris earned his bachelor’s degree from Nebraska-Omaha in 1999. He and his wife, Tracee, have one daughter, Breeze.

COACHING CAREER

2017-present	Analyst/Special Teams	Oregon
2016	Recruiting Assistant/Special Teams Advisor	South Florida
2014-15	Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator	Webber International
2006-13	Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator	Southeast Missouri State
2003-05	Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator	Jacksonville
2000-02	Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator	Tennessee State
1999	Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator	Northern State

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS (2)
1994 Nebraska (Player)
1995 Nebraska (Player)

CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2020 Pac-12 Champions – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2019 Pac-12 Champions – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2019 Pac-12 North – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2010 Ohio Valley Conference – Southeast Missouri State (Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator)
2004 Pioneer Football League South Division* – Jacksonville (Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator)
1999 Northern Sun Champions – Northern State (Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator)
* Co-Champs

BOWL GAMES
2021 Fiesta Bowl – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2020 Rose Bowl – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2018 Redbox Bowl – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2017 Las Vegas Bowl – Oregon (Analyst/Special Teams)
2016 Birmingham Bowl – South Florida (Recruiting Assistant/Special Teams Advisor)
1996 Fiesta Bowl – Nebraska (Player)
1995 Orange Bowl – Nebraska (Player)
1994 Orange Bowl – Nebraska (Player)
1993 Orange Bowl – Nebraska (Player)
1992 Orange Bowl – Nebraska (Player)

FCS PLAYOFFS
2010 Second Round – Southeast Missouri State (Running Backs/Special Teams Coordinator)

NFL DRAFT PICKS COACHED (2)
2021 (RD 6) S Brady Breeze – Oregon – Tennessee Titans
2019 (RD 4) S Ugochukwu Amadi – Oregon – Seattle Seahawks

ALL-AMERICA SELECTIONS COACHED
2010 RB Henry Harris – Southeast Missouri (AP, Walter Camp, STATS, Phil Steele – 1st)
2008 P David Simonhoff – Southeast Missouri (AFCA – 1st)
2007 P David Simonhoff – Southeast Missouri (3rd)
2006 P David Simonhoff – Southeast Missouri (Walter Camp, STATS – 1st)
2005 P Ryan Feely – Jacksonville (Sports Network – 1st, College Sports Report.com – 2nd)
2004 P/K Ryan Feely – Jacksonville (Don Hansen’s Football Gazette, Sports Network – 1st, College Sports Report.com – 2nd)
2003 RB Emmett Hunter – Jacksonville (Don Hansen’s Football Gazette, College Sports Report.com – 2nd)
2003 P Ryan Long – Jacksonville (College Sports Report.com – 1st, Don Hansen’s Football Gazette – 2nd)
2000 KR Carlos Wright – Tennessee State (Don Hansen’s Football Gazette)

ALL-REGION SELECTIONS COACHED
2004 P Ryan Feely – Jacksonville (FCS All-East – 2nd)
2003 RB Emmett Hunter – Jacksonville (Don Hansen’s Football Gazette – 3rd)

CONFERENCE PLAYERS OF THE YEAR COACHED
2010 Henry Harris – Southeast Missouri – Ohio Valley (Offensive Player of the Year)

ALL-CONFERENCE SELECTIONS COACHED
2019 AP/ST Brady Breeze – Oregon – Pac-12 (Coaches – 1st)
2018 AP/ST Brenden Schooler – Oregon – Pac-12 (Coaches – 1st)
2017 AP/ST Brenden Schooler – Oregon – Pac-12 (Coaches – 1st)
2016 PR D’Ernest Johnson – South Florida – American Athletic (Coaches – 2nd)
2015 RB Darius Page – Webber International – The Sun Conference (Coaches – 1st)
2014 RS Prince Holloway – Webber International – The Sun Conference (Coaches – HM)
2014 RB Darius Page – Webber International – The Sun Conference (Coaches – HM)
2012 RB Levi Terrell – Southeast Missouri – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 2nd)
2010 RB Henry Harris – Southeast Missouri – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 1st)
2009 P Doug Spada – Southeast Missouri – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 2nd)
2008 P Doug Spada – Southeast Missouri – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 1st)
2006 P David Simonhoff – Southeast Missouri – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 1st)
2005 PK/P Ryan Feely – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – 1st)
2004 PK/P Ryan Feely – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – 1st)
2004 RS Nathan Conner – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – 1st)
2004 RB Steve Battle – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – HM)
2004 RB Jerry Bryant – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – HM)
2003 RB Emmett Hunter – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – 1st)
2003 P Ryan Long – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – 1st)
2003 RS Chad Davis – Jacksonville – Pioneer (Coaches – HM)
2002 K Joey Hudak – Tennessee State – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 2nd)
2002 RS Carlos Wright – Tennessee State – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 2nd)
2000 RS Carlos Wright – Tennessee State – Ohio Valley (Coaches – 1st)
1999 PK/P Pete Peterson – Northern State – Northern Sun (Coaches – 1st)