Chicago Sun Times says its possible Zook won't be back:
Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther and interim president Stanley Ikenberry met Thursday to discuss the future of the Illinois football program amid speculation that Ron Zook might not return as coach, sources said.
It's not clear whether Guenther will backtrack on his Oct. 24 vow that Zook will return. But multiple sources said Guenther and Ikenberry are facing increasing pressure from angry program boosters and alumni, who are voicing concerns to the school's administration.
At the meeting with Ikenberry, a source said, Guenther asked for an extension of his own contract, which expires in 12 months, to see the football program through this turbulent time.
Since going to the Rose Bowl two years ago, Zook has led Illinois to a 5-7 record last year and a 3-9 mark this year. He is 21-39 in five seasons at Illinois. He was given a one-year extension last off-season after going 5-7 and has four years remaining on his contract.
In October, Guenther said, ''There will be some changes, but there won't be a change at the top.''
At that time, Guenther said, ''It's unfair to start jumping [on Zook] at the end of [his] fifth year.'' If Guenther, who has declined to take questions, was saying Zook needed more time, that was a point of view many Illinois supporters do not share.
Even if Zook stays, several changes on the coaching staff are a given. A new defensive coordinator to replace co-defensive coordinators Curt Mallory and Dan Disch is expected, but it is not clear if they will remain as position coaches.
On offense, coordinator Mike Schultz was under fire during Illinois' 1-6 start, but the offense was much improved in the second half of the season. Illinois also changed both of its line coaches this season, but Joe Gilbert (offense) and Keith Gilmore (defense) have received high marks in some circles.
Mike Woodford, coach of Illinois' under-performing special teams, is not likely to return. Why Zook, special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996-98, has not been able to translate that background at Illinois, is hard to explain.
Illinois' struggles seem to be impacting recruiting. Four-star recruit, C.J. Fiedorowicz, a tight end from Johnsburg, has withdrawn his commitment and switched to Iowa. And another four-star recruit, Proviso East safety Corey Cooper, is believed to be wavering.
In addition, three significant sophomores -- receivers A.J. Jenkins and Cordale Scott and tight end Hubie Graham -- have said they will transfer. And sophomore defensive tackle Corey Liuget, who has a huge upside, reportedly also is considering leaving.
Illinois athletic director Ron Guenther and interim president Stanley Ikenberry met Thursday to discuss the future of the Illinois football program amid speculation that Ron Zook might not return as coach, sources said.
It's not clear whether Guenther will backtrack on his Oct. 24 vow that Zook will return. But multiple sources said Guenther and Ikenberry are facing increasing pressure from angry program boosters and alumni, who are voicing concerns to the school's administration.
At the meeting with Ikenberry, a source said, Guenther asked for an extension of his own contract, which expires in 12 months, to see the football program through this turbulent time.
Since going to the Rose Bowl two years ago, Zook has led Illinois to a 5-7 record last year and a 3-9 mark this year. He is 21-39 in five seasons at Illinois. He was given a one-year extension last off-season after going 5-7 and has four years remaining on his contract.
In October, Guenther said, ''There will be some changes, but there won't be a change at the top.''
At that time, Guenther said, ''It's unfair to start jumping [on Zook] at the end of [his] fifth year.'' If Guenther, who has declined to take questions, was saying Zook needed more time, that was a point of view many Illinois supporters do not share.
Even if Zook stays, several changes on the coaching staff are a given. A new defensive coordinator to replace co-defensive coordinators Curt Mallory and Dan Disch is expected, but it is not clear if they will remain as position coaches.
On offense, coordinator Mike Schultz was under fire during Illinois' 1-6 start, but the offense was much improved in the second half of the season. Illinois also changed both of its line coaches this season, but Joe Gilbert (offense) and Keith Gilmore (defense) have received high marks in some circles.
Mike Woodford, coach of Illinois' under-performing special teams, is not likely to return. Why Zook, special teams coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1996-98, has not been able to translate that background at Illinois, is hard to explain.
Illinois' struggles seem to be impacting recruiting. Four-star recruit, C.J. Fiedorowicz, a tight end from Johnsburg, has withdrawn his commitment and switched to Iowa. And another four-star recruit, Proviso East safety Corey Cooper, is believed to be wavering.
In addition, three significant sophomores -- receivers A.J. Jenkins and Cordale Scott and tight end Hubie Graham -- have said they will transfer. And sophomore defensive tackle Corey Liuget, who has a huge upside, reportedly also is considering leaving.
