October 24, 2004
Let The Ridiculously Early Speculation Begin
Ok, so just for fun, let's make two assumptions and play a little game:
1) Ron Zook is freakin' toast, whether by firing or assassination by crazed fan.
and
2) Stever Spurrier isn't the replacement.
Who are likely candidates to coach the Gators next year?
UPDATE: RON ZOOK FIRED.
Trackback
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.fanblogs.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-tb.cgi/1947
You can use this specified URL in a weblogging program that supports pinging, such as Movable Type. If your blog software does not support Trackback, click here to send a manual ping.
Comments & Trackbacks
Michael Hickerson says:
posted on October 24, 2004 08:06 PM — linkI've only read the book version of Friday Night Lights, but why do I imagine that Ron Zook has "For Sale" signs out in front of his house today?
Interesting question on to who would go to Florida. I wonder if, in a lot of ways, the negative reaction to Zook might not make a search more difficult. On some level, a coach may feel like he's going into a no-win scenario since every move he makes will be compared to Spurrier. Of course, if he's good and goes in and wins a national title, then that might silence a few detractors.
Honestly, I'm having a hard time really thinking of anyone who I think would be a good fit at Florida right now.
dave frey says:
posted on October 24, 2004 09:29 PM — linkI wonder if, in a lot of ways, the negative reaction to Zook might not make a search more difficult. On some level, a coach may feel like he's going into a no-win scenario since every move he makes will be compared to Spurrier.
You're exactly right. And that's why UF got stuck with a second rate coach like Ron Zook in the first place. I remember when Spurrier left; the UF fans (at least the ones on the web) were talking all kinds of nonsense about how they could have any big name coach they wanted, college or pro, because they'd all be so honored just to be considered for such a glorious job and they'd be falling all over themselves just to be interviewed. Hmmm. Didn't quite work out that way now, did it?
I suspect it won't be any different this time. Probably worse, because all the potential candidates have seen the treatment Zook has received from the Florida faithful. No amount of money is worth that much pressure or that much abuse.
dave frey says:
posted on October 24, 2004 09:32 PM — linkHere's a thought, only half serious: Neuheisel.
*of course, if by some screwed up twist of fate it happens, I'm taking full credit for calling it first! :)
ken williams says:
posted on October 24, 2004 09:50 PM — linkThe gators need a coach with the cunning of Spurrier,the recruiting skills of Zook and the commitment of Stoops. Where can we find this coach? Anyone have any suggestions?
ken williams says:
posted on October 24, 2004 10:03 PM — linkHey Charlie Strong, wanna take a shot at the helm?
Mike says:
posted on October 24, 2004 10:33 PM — linkI think Florida football needs a refresh on Gator football pre-1990. Hall, Pell, Dickey, Graves had similar records. Not living up to outrageous expecatations should be saved for Alabama football.
Your 15 minutes are up!
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 25, 2004 09:32 AM — linkHawkins would be a great choice. Cal's Jeff Tedford might be available. Utah's Urban Meyer would be fantastic at Florida. Despite his success at Utah - it's Utah. And Florida is, well, Florida - the big stage. TCU's Gary Patterson would whip some ass at Florida.
Want a dark, dark horse? Randy Sanders from Tennessee.
dave frey says:
posted on October 25, 2004 10:03 AM — linkI wonder if Chuckie would leave the Bucs? He seems to be wearing out his welcome there and his smirky little tude is a perfect fit for the Swamp and its minions.
Joel Foreman says:
posted on October 25, 2004 10:16 AM — linkZook was subjected to harsh treatment because we (Gators)already knew about Zook from his time here in the 90's and we knew we didn't want him back as an assistant, much less an HBC. There are several "bottom line" truths about the Florida Job and Ron Zook that Foley simply ignored in making the hire (which most Gators objected to before the guy even returned to Gainesville):
1. Florida is a top tier coaching position - facilities, location, league, etc.
2. Following Steve Spurrier is a sorry place to come into any program, so whoever it is needs to have HBC experience so his decisions will have some credibility with fans.
3. Ron Zook was a career assistant of moderate success under a very charitable analysis.
4. Florida is NOT a "learn on the job" program. Even second tier D-1 programs are not "learn as you go". Zook had never been an HBC anywhere, and it shows in his job performance at Florida.
5. The SEC is a *coaching* league (Fulmer, Saban, Richt, Turberville, Cutcliffe, Croom, Holtz, Nutt, etc). Talent alone will win fewer games in this conference than almost any other.With all that said (and with almost all of that bearing out to a horrible run for Zook), here are the folks I would put at the top of the hit list for Foley's Winter Tour of 2005:
1. Urban Meyer, Utah - he is an HBC and has his program in the top 10; huge plusses there. Inside track - new UF President Bernard Machen hails from the U. of Utah where he was a big Meyer fan. If Meyer doesn't get a strong look from Foley, Foley might get overruled.
2. Tedford, Cal - another person with HBC experience who may be headed to the pro ranks if another program doesn't come after him first.
3. Mike Leech, Texas Tech - this one would be wildly popular with Spurrier-ites, but I think it would require hiring a defensive coordinator from another program; TTU's defense is like Jello...
4. Bob Stoops, Oklahoma - this is a pipe dream, but who knows, right?
5. Any other candidate who has HBC'd somewhere with a winning record in any conference. That would be better than Zook at this point...
Ryan says:
posted on October 25, 2004 10:21 AM — linkFirst, let be known that Zook has officially been fired.
Second, here's a quote:
Probably worse, because all the potential candidates have seen the treatment Zook has received from the Florida faithful. No amount of money is worth that much pressure or that much abuse.
Candidates also have to realize that alot of the treatment was based on the fact that a career assistant who had previously been demoted at UF was even given consideration for this job. I don't believe a coach higher in stature would have gotten this treatment.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Oct 25, 2004 10:30 AMESPN's Kirk Herbstreit is now reporting that Florida Gators Head Coach Ron Zook and his staff have been fired effective at the end of the season by Athletic Director Jeremy Foley. Foley will apparently announce the move this afternoon. Herbstreit confi...
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 25, 2004 10:43 AM — linkWow. Ron Zook is fired. I repeat my recommendations above, but in a much more forceful voice now that they might be considered!
Pete Holiday says:
posted on October 25, 2004 10:58 AM — linkUpdate: The FireRonZook.com server has had all that it can take.
dave frey says:
posted on October 25, 2004 11:03 AM — linkWow. I saw it coming but I thought it would come at the end of the year. Ok, I'm revising my predictions and now I'm thinking it's 90% sure to be Spurrier. Here's my reasoning.
The only reason you make an announcement at this stage in the season is so you can announce the new coach and get a jump on recruiting. That means they've already got a commitment from someone. None of the other names mentioned (except the unemployed Neuheisel) are in a good position to make that commitment.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 25, 2004 12:03 PM — linkFlorida wanted him gone - they must pay him $450,000 annually for the remaining four years of his deal.
dave frey says:
posted on October 25, 2004 12:18 PM — linkHoly shitzu! I suppose it's one of those deals where he can't work as a coach during those 4 years or he doesn't get the money. But so what? It's not like prospective employers will be beating down HIS door.
Josh McClain says:
posted on October 25, 2004 12:23 PM — linkI've added about half a dozen updates to the story, we'll just have to sit and wait now until the press conference and see what direction the AD will take.
Let the mass speculation begin!
Robert Knodell says:
posted on October 25, 2004 01:11 PM — linkI understand the assumptions above, but you cannot ignore the manner in which Spurrier looms over this entire process, from start to finish.
If you are Spurrier, you can conjure up a million reasons to want to go back or not to want to go back. If you're the administration at UF, you're hard pressed to find many reasons NOT to want him back. Is Foley's job safe? If so, has his and Spurrier's relationship improved (as many have said)? Would Spurrier try to persuade a Stoops to take the job?
Talk all you want about Meyer or Tedford, but Spurrier is the central figure in all this. If or until he says a definite "no", nobody is going to seriously pursue this job or take any overtures from UF seriously.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 25, 2004 01:19 PM — linkFolks, Spurrier ain't coming back. He's still living off little Danny Snyder's money. I think you can forget talking Stoops into it, too. Stoops is in great shape in Oklahoma. Now, I wouldn't surprise me if he lets his get tossed around so that he can bank that interest at OU, but he's not leaving.
Urban Meyer would be a great choice. TCU's Patterson would be a great choice. Cal's Jeff Tedford would be a great choice. Louisville's Petrino would be a great choice.
dave frey says:
posted on October 25, 2004 01:21 PM — linkESPN is saying Spurrier not likely, due to the relationship with Foley.
Robert Knodell says:
posted on October 25, 2004 01:37 PM — linkI still say Spurrier looms over the process. Anybody who believes Florida won't at least attempt to talk to him is crazy. The boosters down there would roast the administration if they turn up their nose at him and the next coach bombs. Mark that one down.
Would he be interested? Maybe, but probably not. I just think you're off base if you think he won't be at least consulted about this opening.
Josh McClain says:
posted on October 25, 2004 01:41 PM — linkI agree with Robert that Spurrier is the key in all this.
I believe he's not going back, he'd be nuts to go back to carry that burden, especially now, but nothing on this front will happen until Foley and Spurrier or both come out and say no way, no how.
I'd bet that Stoops and Shananan are Visits No. 1 and 2 after a call to Spurrier. I'd then look at the major young coaches out there. The Glen Mason/Dan Hawkins/Bobby Petrino/Urban Meyer crowd.
Something else no one is talking about now - Zook proved he could recruit, but not mold those top notch recruits into a national contender.
Does he get another shot as a head coach somewhere else? Or is he permanently relegated to Coordinator status for his performance? I'd say some lower tier school might take a flier on him, he did win 20 games in the SEC in three years after all.
Robert Knodell says:
posted on October 25, 2004 02:15 PM — linkJosh, I think your candidate list sounds about right. As for Zook, I'd bet he'll fish the NFL waters for a coordinator's job (he's got a lot of buddies that are NFL head coaches), but I could also see him landing at a place like Illinois. It's going to be interesting to see what happens to Zook, Solich, and Neuheisel this offseason. They're all looking at jobs a step down from their previous ones, unless some AD wants to make a reach.
schmed says:
posted on October 25, 2004 02:48 PM — linkWhat some of y'all have said about the UF boosters insisting that the "Ol' Ball Coach" get a consideration might understate the sitchie-ation. How secure is Foley?
Anybody figure Sir Spurrious carries enough Gator-weight to supplant Foley as AD? Maybe that's way off, but I've heard stranger things when Fat-Cat alums and boosters start hammering boardmembers - especially the politically-oriented ones. Would they give Visor-Boi carte blanche?
Zook might go stand in line down on David Drive to be first when the sAints give Haslett a one-way streetcare ride out of N'Arlins.
Kinda like watchin' a junta take place in some Banana Republic - ain't it?
Robert Knodell says:
posted on October 25, 2004 03:16 PM — linkHe certainly won't make the "hot lists" for the UF, but I'll throw out a name that should get more consideration than it does: Joe Tiller of Purdue. He revived a comatose program, introduced the forward pass to a run-oriented league (sound familiar, SEC folks?), and has realistically done about all he can do at Purdue.
Tiller makes sense at Florida because Gators want an offense-minded coach and his philosophy is well suited for the type of athletes you can get in Florida. Developer of great college quarterbacks? Check. Good recruiter? Check. Clean program? Check.
Age would be the primary knock on him (61 years old). However, Miami and Florida State aren't doing too bad with geezers at the helm, are they? It is always more glamourous to hire a young up-and-comer that you assume (or hope) will have a hall of fame career over an older guy that's a more proven commodity.
Remember, folks, the SEC roadsides are filled with up-and-comers like Ray Goff, Curley Hallman, Brad Scott, Terry Bowden, Sparky Woods, Hal Mumme, Bill Curry, Rockey Felker, Jim Donnan, etc.
Michael Hickerson says:
posted on October 25, 2004 03:17 PM — linkI think the big question is--does Spurrier want the job back?
He left with a lot of good will and pretty much at the top of his game. So why go back?
I see him setting up shop at Texas before I'd see him back at UF.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 25, 2004 03:21 PM — linkschmed makes a great point - there's no reason that the boosters couldn't knock Foley out and install Spurrier at AD. I don't think he would want the job. I don't think he would be exceptionally good at it. I don't think that many football coaches would want to work for him. Then again, logical reasoning isn't always in vogue at UF or among it's boosters.
Robert Knodell says:
posted on October 25, 2004 03:26 PM — linkKevin, when you're talking about UF boosters, I think "rogue" should be used in the same sentence instead of "vogue".
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 25, 2004 03:33 PM — linkLet me clarify - I think sometimes UF folks leap before they look.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Oct 25, 2004 3:56 PMWhile analysts and fans have to tried to dimiss the possiblity of Steve Spurrier returning to Gainesville for a repeat engagement as Florida Gators' head coach, the Ol' Ball Coach seemed open to that possibility today. (See also: ESPN: Zook, staff fire...
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Oct 25, 2004 3:57 PMWhile analysts and fans have to tried to dimiss the possiblity of Steve Spurrier returning to Gainesville for a repeat engagement as Florida Gators' head coach, the Ol' Ball Coach seemed open to that possibility today. (See also: ESPN: Zook, staff fire...
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Oct 25, 2004 4:39 PMWhile analysts and fans have to tried to dimiss the possiblity of Steve Spurrier returning to Gainesville for a repeat engagement as Florida Gators' head coach, the Ol' Ball Coach seemed open to that possibility today. (See also: ESPN: Zook, staff fire...
Josh McClain says:
posted on October 25, 2004 05:00 PM — linkAD Foley had a few nice things to say, but said it was his foul upmessup and his responsibility
NCVol says:
posted on October 25, 2004 05:58 PM — linkBig Mistake canning Zook now. No one to recruit for you guys for two months. All of the good coaches will be in bowls deep into December and early January. Not much time to put a staff together and hit the HS trails. Foley should have appeased the Gator faithful with "We'll review at the end of the year, like I do w/ all my head coaches" and let the staff keep saying good things about UF to recruits. Face it, while we southerners think our schools are the best jobs, Auburn ruined it for everyone with their BS re: Tuberville last year. Now there's a good coach looking for someone to love him!
NCVol says:
posted on October 25, 2004 08:01 PM — linkDanny Ford @ Clemson? What about the Bear at Bama? Those folks would dig him up and plop the houndstooth hat on his skeleton if it meant more wins!
Following success is never successful in the coaching ranks. I'm afraid if the gators don't give the next guy at least five solid years of whatever comes (good or bad), you guys will go the way of Bama and Clemson...holding unattainable expectations and unmeetable timelines over the head of some pretty good coaches. But then again, speaking as a Vol, that's not all bad ;-)
Jeff says:
posted on October 25, 2004 08:08 PM — linkNCVol,
I was reacting with the analogy that fits the best for me in my experience - when supposed Clemson fans were reportedly sending letters to recruits encouraging them to go elsewhere when Hatfield was the coach.The Ford comparison tied in to the Bear is even more apropos considering where Ford played in college.
johnny rutledge says:
posted on October 25, 2004 11:14 PM — linkIf Spurrier is available and wants the job, it should withouth question be his to refuse. These other guys, if they more than exceed expectations in whatever school they coach, may compile the type of record he had....
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 26, 2004 09:35 AM — linkJosh has done a great job in updating the issue, y'all: Ron Zook Fired
NautAnole says:
posted on October 26, 2004 10:46 AM — linkfire Foley.... We can't afford his friendships anymore
Maurice says:
posted on October 26, 2004 10:48 AM — linkGators next coach will be Charlie Wiess of New England offence Coordinator
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 26, 2004 11:03 AM — linkBOB MOLINARO, The Virginian-Pilot:
while some may find the timing of Florida’s decision puzzling or even slightly appalling, there is reason to applaud the school for the cut-throat manner in which it dealt with Zook. At least Florida isn’t pretending to care about anything other than winning as many football games as is necessary to impress the BCS. At least Florida doesn’t hesitate to acknowledge what everybody knows: that gas-bag alumni and big-money boosters wag the dog. Florida is what it is, a football factory, and proud of it.
Losing may be ugly, and firing a coach midway through the season creates unattractive headlines, but hypocrisy remains the biggest eyesore in intercollegiate athletics. By asking Zook not to return, Florida is being true to itself and its whacked-out fans. There is something almost refreshing about that.
Kevin Donahue says:
posted on October 26, 2004 11:06 AM — linkDon't look now, but Mike Price is 5-2 with a UTEP team that was *awful* last year.
RaisinGators says:
posted on October 26, 2004 02:00 PM — linkFoley's actions are simple, he does not want the Gator Nation feeling like there is not enough time to "Bag" the next Coach. When Spurrier gave notice in 2001 it wasnt just the Fans who were caught by surprise. Spurrier did not show Foley a drop of admiration waiting till the last second to resign. His indirect gesture of discontent for Florida's AD was how I remember it going down. Foley has never forgotten the way things went down with our beloved Steve so that's why Foley let Zook and Co. go now for 2 reasons...
1) It had to be done for the better of Florida Football
2) Foley wants all to see, he has a plan and time to Covet our next Coach!This is Foley's best decision in two plus years!!!
dave frey says:
posted on October 26, 2004 05:49 PM — linkI dont doubt he's been offered the yob, but I kind of doubt they'd put a 24 hour ultimatum on him, especially since they're not really pressed for time on this anyway. He's really the one in a position to dictate terms, not UF.
dave frey says:
posted on October 26, 2004 09:29 PM — linkIf that's true, it sounds like they have plenty, rather than nothing, to complain about.
RaisinGators says:
posted on October 26, 2004 10:05 PM — linkIn response to Dave's comment "they struggle to get through October without losing to an unranked team, every year." Let's take a look at 2003's October record
10/4 Lost to Ole Miss(unranked)
10/11 Beat LSU (#6)
10/18 Beat Ark (#11)
10/25 Bye
11/1 Beat UGA (#4)
For years in October the Gators have had LSU's and Georgia's #, it is also a month that we have a Bye most every year. If Dave would like to make a valid point it would be that Zook had a consistent record of rolling over and taken it where the sun does not shine in the Swamp no matter what month of the year it has been. Rallying on the Road is a sure sign of desperation, Winning at Home (The Swamp!!!) is a requirement. Bless us Zook is gone!!! Florida will become a National threat again when our Coaches and Athletes bring the Swamp back to being one of the most feared arena's to play in, plain and simple.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Oct 27, 2004 7:45 AMESPN is reporting something that's been brewing on the message boards for two days: Florida officials have called Steve Spurrier to see if he wants to return as Head Coach. ESPN's Jim Donnan added that the school has given Spurrier 24 hours to fish or...
dave frey says:
posted on October 28, 2004 08:59 PM — linkUm, it would seem some comments have been deleted? Specifically, my comment #52 was addrssed to someone who wrote that Florida fans "have nothing to complain about" immediately before. That comment is now gone, and my reply now makes zero sense in the context of our discussion. Comment #53 was also addressed to that person, not to me. Something very wierd going on here.
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Nov 18, 2004 9:02 AM“The ol' head ball coach is on his way back to college football and the Southeastern Conference — just not where everyone expected.” This morning, the Tennessean is reporting that Steve Spurrier has agreed in principle to replace Lou Holtz as the Head ...
From SEC College Football - Fanblogs.com
pinged on Nov 21, 2004 3:21 PMFoxSports.com is going forward with the rumor that Utah coach Urban Meyer has agreed to become the next coach of the Florida Gators. For it's part, Florida has said that they haven't even started talking to coaches. I'm wondering if Florida has the sto...
