December 27, 2003
Who would've thought? Zook on firmer ground than Spurrier
A prospect that seemed outrageous to even think less than a few months ago has become reality. Gators Coach Ron Zook has found himself with stronger job security than the icon he replaced; current Washington Redskins head coach Steve Spurrier.
With ESPN now reporting that Spurrier is set to quit, and Florida preparing for its season finale, its amazing to sit back and view the paths these two coaches took this season to change each man's fortune this year.
More on this from Naples Daily News Columnist Will Graves
Spurrier's team started the season 3-1. His young quarterback was zipping the ball around the lot to speedy wide receivers while the defense managed to make just enough plays to win.At one point in early October, the Gators were 3-3 with losses to Ole Miss and Tennessee at home in the Swamp, and a tortuous road swing against three top-10 teams on the horizon.
Yet a funny thing happened to Zook on the way to coaching oblivion. He picked a quarterback (freshman Chris Leak). He preached defense and patience.
And the Gators started winning.
Florida put together three stirring road wins against LSU, Arkansas and Georgia to save the season, and Zook's job in the process. Only poor officiating prevented the Gators from beating Florida State on Nov. 29 and finishing the year with six straight victories.
Zook survived the hot seat.
Heck, he turned the dang thing into a La-Z-Boy. There's even a new Web site called www.hireronzook.com that has picked up the torch for the state's most embattled coach.
There has been no such relief for Spurrier. Though Washington quarterback Patrick Ramsey showed flashes of brilliance, he also endured such a beating behind a porous offensive line that his body broke down on him in late November.
Spurrier's down-home, aw- shucks demeanor in Washington is starting to wear thin with Snyder, who put a lot of money and effort — if not patience and trust — into luring Spurrier to the nation's capital.
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