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Gators fire Ron Zook

Opinions on Spurrier

Some Florida boosters believe ex-Gator coach Steve Spurrier wants to prove he can succeed in the NFL.

By DAVE SCHEIBER
Published October 26, 2004


[Times photo: James Borchuck]
Ron Zook will finish out the season as Gators head football coach.
Speculation begins for UF
Gary Shelton: Time to make the call
Firing finds little favor with players
Opinions on Spurrier
4 points of no return
Dismissal leaves Gator recruits in limbo
If not Spurrier, then...
Views on Zook
What's next? hirespurrier.com?
Way to go?
What do you think of Ron Zook staying on for the rest of the Gators' season?
It is the right thing to do
They should have him leave right way
From Tampa Bay's 10 News: Video of Ron Zook press conference

Leonard Levy, Tampa resident and ex-president of the Gator Boosters: "I'd bet on Steve not coming back. The expectations would be too great. I don't know if Steve would want that."

George Levy, Tampa resident, past board member of the Gator Boosters and Leonard's brother: "I don't think Steve Spurrier will come back to the University of Florida. I don't think there's any way. Steve didn't really like recruiting and so forth. I think Steve will coach again. And I think it'll be in the pros."

Larry Kennedy, Gator cornerback 1991-94, and team captain under Spurrier, now a Gator booster in North Carolina: "I think there should be a push to bring Coach Spurrier back. He's the beloved coach. Everybody wants to see the Ol' Ball Coach back on the field. I sent an e-mail to one of my colleagues this morning saying, "It's time.' ... It's time for the Ol' Ball Coach to be back on the sideline coaching the Gators and nowhere else."

Joe Proctor, Gator booster in Jacksonville: "I'd love to see Steve come back, but I'd be really surprised if he did. I think he wants to prove he can succeed in the NFL."

Ray Graves, Spurrier's former Florida assistant and a good friend: "I don't think Steve would consider coming back to Florida. He's already accomplished what he set out to do. I think there'll be a lot of rumors and what not, but they could probably get a pretty good coach with the material they have there."

[Last modified October 26, 2004, 07:56:21]


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