http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2004/football/ncaa/12/07/bc.fbc.florida.zook.ap/index.html

Florida won't let Zook coach in Peach Bowl

Posted: Tuesday December 7, 2004 11:55AM; Updated: Tuesday December 7, 2004 11:55AM



GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) -- Even if Ron Zook wanted to coach Florida in the Peach Bowl, he won't get the chance.

Athletic director Jeremy Foley told The Gainesville Sun on Tuesday morning that he called Zook to tell him he has coached his last game for the Gators.

"I thought about it last night and made this decision for all the right reasons," Foley said from Salt Lake City, where he was preparing to leave with new coach Urban Meyer for a news conference in Gainesville.

Foley said defensive coordinator Charlie Strong will be named interim coach for the Dec. 31 Peach Bowl against Miami.

Foley did not immediately return a phone message left by The Associated Press.

Zook, who will be named head coach at Illinois on Tuesday, had not decided whether to coach Florida's bowl game. Some close to Zook said he was considering sticking around for another chance at Miami, which beat Florida twice under Zook.

A victory against the Hurricanes would have given Zook two big wins in his final two games -- the Gators beat Florida State to end the regular season -- and might have raised more questions about the school's decision to fire him Oct. 25 after just 21/2 seasons.