LOS ANGELES (AP) -Jay Norvell, an assistant coach who helped Nebraska develop a prolific, well-balanced offense, joined UCLA's staff Friday as offensive coordinator.

Norvell brings his ``West Coast'' style of offense back to California, where he was an assistant with the Oakland Raiders for two years before moving with head coach Bill Callahan to Nebraska following the 2003 season.

The 43-year-old Norvell also will coach the quarterbacks at UCLA, a role he filled at Nebraska. Unlike Nebraska, where Callahan called the plays, Norvell will have that duty with the Bruins.

``I'm ready now. I've prepared my entire career to gain some more responsibilities,'' Norvell said in a conference call.

``We run a pro-style attack, very multiple, and play to a good tempo. We're going to be extremely demanding of the kids.''

Norvell replaces Jim Svoboda, who was the Bruins' quarterbacks coach in 2004-05 and added the offensive coordinator duties this past season.

Coach Karl Dorrell fired Svoboda earlier this month after the Bruins went 7-6 and averaged 23 points this past season. They averaged more than 39 points and went 10-2 the previous year.

Last season, the Cornhuskers ranked 14th nationally in yards per game (414.6) and 17th in scoring (30.6). They were 23rd in both passing (244.1 yards a game) and rushing (170.5).

Nebraska quarterback Zac Taylor was selected the 2006 Big 12 Conference offensive player of the year. He set school records by passing for 3,197 yards and 26 touchdowns as the Cornhuskers went 9-5 and won the Big 12 North title.

``What intrigued me is that they were able to do it quickly at Nebraska,'' Dorrell said. ``He developed a quarterback there as well.

``He's an up-and-coming coach and this is a great opportunity for him to showcase his skills.''

Norvell's resume includes jobs with the Indianapolis Colts, Iowa State, Wisconsin and Northern Iowa. A native of Madison, Wis., he was an All-Big Ten defensive back at Iowa in 1985 and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant there.

Callahan, who also coached with him at Wisconsin, said, ``Coach Norvell has a bright future in this profession.''

Norvell previously interviewed for head coaching jobs at Iowa State and Boston College, and had interviewed with Dorrell for a UCLA job a couple years ago.

``The timing wasn't right then, and it's exactly right now,'' Norvell said.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.