04/24/24
November 04, 2004
And in other news, Ron Zook still sucks: Steve Spurrier has officially removed himself from consideration to retake the head coaching job at the University of Florida. Current Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops had said he wasn't interested, but that might have been because his old boss was still in the running. Who's the best fit, and how hard will it be to bring the Gators back to the top?
This job comes with the most unrealistic expectations ever. Stoops would be crazy to leave his situation to go there. I can't even think of a candidate out there that will appease the student body and the alumni.
posted by usfbull at 09:45 PM on November 04, 2004
This Gator fan is rooting for Urban Meyer, just because he's the only good idea I've heard so far.
posted by Bernreuther at 11:11 PM on November 04, 2004
I don't think the expectations at Florida are quite as high following Zook as they were following Spurrier. Most high-profile coaches are smart enough not to be the first person to succeed a legend. Now that Zook's gone, perhaps the next coach has a fighting chance.
posted by rcade at 08:17 AM on November 05, 2004
As a UIowa Hawkeye fan, I'm sorry to say that Kirk Ferentz's name always comes up these days for spots like this--esp. Penn State. The Hawks schooled the Gators last year in one of the most enjoyable football games I've seen in a long time, so his name is familiar there. I hope he doesn't get tempted by the Dark Side.
posted by jason streed at 11:58 AM on November 05, 2004
Urban Meyer was mentioned in the paper this morning, along with the Lousiville coach. I think rcade has something but perhaps in this day and age there is no more rebound romance lowering expectations, just win win win.
posted by billsaysthis at 12:30 PM on November 05, 2004
You know, Jason, I agree with you that you hear Ferentz's name pop up for almost every high-profile job, but I'm shocked he hasn't bolted for the bigger U yet. Nothing against the Hawkeyes, but it's not exactly a glamour job, and I don't know how he consistently produces such strong teams in a tough conference when it can't be easy to get the studs to come to the Midwest (helloooo, University of Illinois!). I hope he stays, though. I admire coaches who stay with the guy who brung 'em to the big dance, and although Ferentz ain't starving to death, I'm sure, there's a lot to be said for loyalty. Now here's hoping they keep spanking the Boilermakers!
posted by wfrazerjr at 03:55 PM on November 06, 2004
By the way, here's ESPN's list of their frontrunners for the Florida gig. Wouldn't it be great to see Gruden end up there?
posted by wfrazerjr at 03:57 PM on November 06, 2004
I don't see Gruden as a college guy. Has he even ever been an assistant there? Anyway, his rep is too strong and he's too young to give up the pro game this soon. I think they go for someone like Meyer, Rodriguez or Hawkins, proven coaches from a second tier school who know how to recruit and manage teenagers.
posted by billsaysthis at 06:57 PM on November 06, 2004
wfrazerjr, the thinking around here is that he will stay at least through his son's career at Iowa. That takes us through next year :-( He was paid more than $1.8 million last year, but as Spre said, he has a family to feed, so who knows? Re: Purdue--they damn near came back! The Hawks pulled it out though. One of the announcers said Ferentz is something like 35 and 2 when leading at halftime, which is pretty impressive.
posted by jason streed at 07:18 PM on November 07, 2004
Jesus, now they're talking about Lou being ready to quit, with Spurrier a likely choice to take his place. I hate Holtz with a passion, but he's done a tremendous job with the Gamecocks. It's a good fit for Steve also, simply because he's pretty much their mascot already.
posted by wfrazerjr at 08:19 PM on November 10, 2004
Norv Turner ought to be freed up any week now. Maybe he can take Dennis Erickson along as a coordinator. That would clear out the Bay Area NFL Head Aches. More seriously, I'm not sure why Bob Stoops would leave OK while he's got things so good there and is young enough to wait for whoever gets hired to leave unless... maybe his brother, who's doing okay at AZ State might be interested. Boise State's Dan Hawkins is young but looks like a comer.