Whether Norm Chow remains at UCLA as the football team's offensive coordinator or bolts across town to rejoin USC will be determined by money.

Chow, who is in the final year of a three-year contract, has asked UCLA to extend his contract. The request was made after USC contacted him, according to a UCLA athletics source who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the situation.

During an evening conference call, UCLA coach Rick Neuheisel said Chow "assured me that he wanted to be at UCLA" earlier in the day.

The Punahou School alum is set to make $640,000 at UCLA next season, which includes a $250,000 bonus if he is the offensive coordinator on the first day of spring practice.

USC is thought to be able to pay considerably more.

"The profession is one where you certainly want commitment and you want people to be here and be excited about the job. I think Norm feels that and exhibits that," Neuheisel said. But, he added, "Nobody would deny somebody a blockbuster deal."

Chow, who was returning from a vacation in Florida yesterday, could not be reached for comment. His agent, Don Yee, denied negotiating with USC. "Virtually all of the reporting thus far regarding Norm Chow has been inaccurate," he said.

Meanwhile, USC athletic director Mike Garrett said new Trojans coach Lane Kiffin was "going to recruit" Chow.

SAILING

CUP BACK IN COURT

BMW Oracle returned to the courts yesterday, arguing that Alinghi's sails breach America's Cup rules because they were not made in the team's home country.

The American team said it was contesting the Swiss team's sails, which it says have been constructed in the United States. Rules decree a team's boat must be manufactured in its home country.

The latest return to a New York court could see the 33rd edition of the competition moved beyond its Feb. 8 start since it could take weeks for Alinghi to make new sails.

The two sides have been dueling in the courtroom since Alinghi won the 32nd edition in July 2007.

VOLLEYBALL

HODGE WINS HONDA

Megan Hodge of Penn State won the Honda Sports Award for volleyball.

Hodge led the Nittany Lions (38-0) with 21 kills against Texas to win the NCAA volleyball title in December. Penn State extended its record winning streak to 102 straight sets, becoming the first team to win three straight volleyball titles.

Hodge, a senior from Durham, N.C., averaged 4.67 kills to lead the Big Ten and was chosen conference player of the year.