Jay Norvell: Age, Date of Birth & other info
Merritt James “Jay” Norvell, born on March 28, 1963, in Madison, Wisconsin, has established a distinguished career in American football as both a player and a coach. As of February 2025, he is 61 years old and serves as the head football coach at Colorado State University, a position he has held since the 2022 season.
- Age: 61 Years
- Date of Birth: March 28, 1963
- Birth Place: Madison, Wisconsin
- Weight: 232 pounds (105 kg)
- Height: 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall
- Net Worth: $1.8 million
Early Life and Family Background
Jay Norvell was born to Merritt and Cynthia Norvell. His father, Merritt Norvell Jr., was a trailblazer in collegiate athletics, serving as the athletic director at Michigan State University from 1995 to 1998. Merritt and Cynthia married on July 4, 1962, and together they nurtured a family deeply rooted in sports and education. Jay has a brother named Aaron. His mother, Cynthia, was a model and passed away at the age of 79 after battling cancer. The Norvell family’s commitment to excellence and resilience has profoundly influenced Jay’s personal and professional life.
Playing Career
Norvell’s football journey commenced at the University of Iowa, where he played as a defensive back from 1982 to 1985. His performance peaked in his senior year when he led the Big Ten Conference with seven interceptions, earning him first-team All-Big Ten honors in 1985. This standout season contributed to the Hawkeyes securing a Big Ten Championship and a subsequent appearance in the Rose Bowl. Following his collegiate success, Norvell briefly played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) as a linebacker with the Chicago Bears during the 1987 season.
Coaching Career
Transitioning from player to coach, Norvell embarked on a coaching career that has spanned several decades and included roles at both collegiate and professional levels.
- Early Coaching Roles: Norvell began as a graduate assistant at the University of Iowa in 1986. He then served as the wide receivers coach at Northern Iowa in 1988, followed by various positions at the University of Wisconsin from 1989 to 1994, where he coached offensive line, wide receivers, and special teams. During his tenure at Wisconsin, the team achieved a Big Ten Championship and a Rose Bowl appearance in 1993.
- Advancement in Collegiate Coaching: From 1995 to 1997, Norvell was the assistant head coach, quarterbacks coach, and wide receivers coach at Iowa State University. He then moved to the University of Nebraska, serving as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach from 2004 to 2006. Under his guidance, Nebraska’s offense flourished, ranking 14th nationally in total offense in 2006. Norvell’s coaching prowess continued at UCLA in 2007 as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, and subsequently at the University of Oklahoma from 2008 to 2014, where he held roles as assistant offensive coordinator, co-offensive coordinator, and wide receivers coach. At Oklahoma, he mentored future NFL talents, including wide receivers Kenny Stills and Sterling Shepard.
- Professional Coaching Experience: Norvell’s NFL coaching career includes positions with the Indianapolis Colts as wide receivers coach from 1998 to 2001 and the Oakland Raiders as tight ends coach from 2002 to 2003. While with the Colts, he coached All-Pro receiver Marvin Harrison, who recorded 385 receptions, 5,376 yards, and 48 touchdowns under Norvell’s tutelage. With the Raiders, Norvell contributed to an offense that led the NFL in total yards and passing yards per game in 2002, culminating in an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII.
- Head Coaching Tenure at Nevada: In 2017, Norvell was appointed as the head coach at the University of Nevada, Reno. After a challenging inaugural season with a 3–9 record, he led the team to four consecutive winning seasons. Notably, the 2018 team achieved an 8–5 record, including a victory in the Arizona Bowl. Under his leadership, quarterback Carson Strong earned back-to-back Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2020 and 2021.
- Current Role at Colorado State: On December 6, 2021, Norvell was named the head coach at Colorado State University. He brought a dynamic, pass-heavy offensive philosophy, contrasting with the previous run-heavy approach. As of February 2025, Norvell has led the Rams to a 16–21 record over three seasons, striving to build a competitive program in the Mountain West Conference.
Personal Life
Jay Norvell is married to Kim, and they have a son named Jaden. He is a practicing Catholic and has authored a book titled “Complete Wide Receiver,” published in 2012, reflecting his expertise and passion for the sport. Norvell’s personal experiences, including the loss of his mother to cancer, have shaped his coaching philosophy and dedication to his family and faith.
Net Worth
While specific figures regarding Jay Norvell’s net worth are not publicly disclosed, his extensive career in both collegiate and professional football, including multiple coaching positions and head coaching roles, suggests a stable and substantial financial standing. Salaries for head coaches at major universities often include base compensation, performance bonuses, and other incentives, contributing to their overall net worth.
Legacy and Impact
Jay Norvell’s career reflects a deep commitment to the game of football, marked by a progression from a successful player to a respected coach at various levels. His ability to develop talent, adapt to different coaching environments, and lead programs through periods of growth underscores his significant impact on the sport. As he continues his tenure at Colorado State University, Norvell’s influence extends beyond the field, inspiring players and fellow coaches alike with his dedication, resilience, and strategic acumen.In summary, Jay Norvell’s journey through the realms of American football exemplifies a blend of personal dedication, professional excellence, and an enduring passion for the sport.
