So zook becomes a figure head at head coach - but in charge of recruiting?
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Subject: [gatornews] [SUN]: 6/16 15:35 --- Zooker on the hot seat?
[Brockway]
From: Shane Ford <[email protected]>
Date: Thu, June 17, 2010 8:38 am
To: [email protected]
Zooker on the hot seat?
Ron ZookThe Associated PressIllinois coach Ron Zook shouts from the sidelines while playing against Fresno State on Dec 5, 2009.Published: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:35 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 3:35 p.m.It's your Daily Football Fix! Gainesville Sun staff writers are here to help get you through the long, hot summer with a daily dose of college football. The series runs every day until the start of fall practice.Yes, you've heard this before.Only this time, it's in Champaign, Ill., not Gainesville.Ron Zook is back on the hot seat. The Illinois coach, late of Florida, has produced one magical season in five years.In 2007, the Zooker led Illinois to the Rose Bowl and the future looked rosy. But an 8-16 record since than has left some wondering if Zook can sustain the success of a program.Zook has already lashed out at the Illinois media for being "too negative" and said that the negativity has impacted recruiting. But it's hard to sell 8-16 over the past two seasons to recruits, and it's getting harder to sell the results to the administration.There's no doubt that Zook can recruit. Florida's 2006 BCS title team was filled with gems brought to campus by Zook and his staff.The questions about Zook always centered around game day, which is why Illinois spent big money on assistants this offseason. Zook's job status could hinge on an SEC addition. Paul Petrino (younger brother of Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino) was brought in from Arkansas at a hefty $475,000 salary to take over calling the plays. Petrino's wide-open, downfield throwing philosophy could cause problems for slower Big Ten defenses geared to stop the run first.On the defense side, Illinois hired Kansas State co-defensive coordinator Vic Koenning. Koenning is expected to making near Petrino's salary.Zook was known as a micro-manager during his three-season Florida run. If he allows his assistants to coach while keeping the ship steady, it might save his job.But Zook won't be able to survive a fifth losing season in six years. The pressure is on to reach a bowl game next January. If not, another Petrino could wind up becoming a head coach at a BCS school.--
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GATORS: ONE VOICE ON SATURDAY - NO VOICE ON SUNDAY!
1996 National Football Champions | 2006 National Basketball Champions
2006 National Football Champions | 2007 National Basketball Champions
2008 National Football Champions |
Three Heisman Trophy winners: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996),
Tim Tebow (2007) - Visit our website at www.gatornet.us
