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Ron Zook
By Ethan Levine
Last Updated:
Ron Zook was the head coach of the Florida Gators for three tumultuous seasons from 2002-2004, during which time he accumulated a 23-15 record. He led the Gators to three bowl appearances, but his teams lost all three times. The Gators finished ranked in the USA Today Coaches’ Poll in all three of Zook’s seasons in Gainesville, but never ranked higher than 24th; the team only finished one season ranked in the final Associated Press poll (No. 24 in 2003).
Zook was a mere 6-12 against ranked opponents during his three seasons with the Gators, including a 1-5 record against in-state rivals Miami and Florida State. His struggles made him the figure of disdain among Gators’ fans, eventually leading to the creation of the infamous Fire Ron Zook website.
He was fired following the 2004 season and later took over the head coaching duties at the University of Illinois, where he coached for seven seasons from 2005-11.
Coaching History | Team | Years |
---|---|---|
Assistant Special Teams Coach | Green Bay Packers | 2014-Present |
Head Coach | Illinois Fighting Illini | 2005-2011 |
Head Coach | Florida Gators | 2002-2004 |
Defensive Coordinator | New Orleans Saints | 2000-2001 |
Defensive Backs Coach | Kansas City Chiefs | 1999 |
Special Teams Coordinator | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1996-1998 |
Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator/Safeties Coach | Florida Gators | 1995 |
Special Teams Coordinator | Florida Gators | 1994 |
Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs | Florida Gators | 1991-1993 |
Defensive Backs Coach | Ohio St. Buckeyes | 1988-1990 |
Assistant Head Coach | Virginia Tech Hokies | 1987 |
Defensive Backs Coach | Tennessee Volunteers | 1984-1986 |
Defensive Coordinator | Kansas Jayhawks | 1983 |
Defensive Coordinator | Cincinnati Bearcats | 1981-1982 |
Defensive Backs Coach | Murray St. Racers | 1979-1980 |
A former newspaper reporter who has roamed the southeastern United States for years covering football and eating way too many barbecue ribs, if there is such a thing.